Brakes - Front - Sticky

brianinsf · 05-24-2006, 06:56 PM

Help....I have a 91 325i with 200k+ miles. Recently my front right brake caliper does not back off the rotor completely. I know this because when I roll, I can feel and hear the brake is still on slightly. I've jacked up the vehicle and sure enough its tighter then the left side. I've replaced the entire caliper with another from the junk yard and bleed the system to no avail. I'm stumped as to why the caliper won't back off the rotor completely. Is it the master cylinder or should I resolve to a professional shop? The vehicle stops fine and all but sometimes i hear this grinding noise and if i tap the brake pedal, it goes away but returns shortly. I also notice if i drive with the steering slightly off center the noise disappears. The pads are fairly new and rotor is in very good shape from appearance. What can it be now?

Yurick · 05-25-2006, 12:02 PM

Brian,
The replacement caliper you got from the junk yard, did you rebuild it? That may not be a bad idea. Other than that, I would suggest replacing caliper guiding bolt bushings or if they appear to be in OK shape, at the very least thoroughly cleaning them.

brianinsf · 05-25-2006, 06:26 PM

The replacement caliper I got from the Jyard, I did not rebuild it. But I get the same symptom as the old caliper. what the the caliper guiding bolt bushing and were do I get replacement ones from? Thanks in advance.

Yurick · 05-26-2006, 04:55 AM

Brian,
Take a look at the following web link. Item# 10 is the bushing. Its part number is for my '90 325iC, which is probably the same for your car, but to be on the safe side, look it up based on your own beemer.
You should be able to order one from Pelican for about $20.

crashthecar · 06-03-2006, 11:51 AM

Did you check that the hub spun freely and smoothly with the caliper off? Could be a wheel bearing, they don't always get noisey when the begin to fail.