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stevepl17
Joined: 01 Nov 2009 Posts: 5 Location: Munroe Falls, Ohio
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Posted: Sun Nov 01, 2009 9:05 pm Post subject: Rear steel brake lines leaking '00 528i |
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Just bought my 2000 528i, 53k miles--nice shape, but of course I expect some issues due to age. Yesterday the brake wear indicator light came on. I have some pulsing, so I knew I need to get it up and look at the brakes. Lo and behold, this morning I found a puddle behind the right rear wheel and of course had slushy bakes.
Looking at the steel line, it is leaking above the union with the hose to the caliper.
I sold my last 5 series in '00 and as it was only 3 years old at the time, I did no work to it myself. And this car is considerably different than my '87 3-series was....
My questions:
1.) Is the brake wear indicator unrelated? I didn't lift the front yet as the leak was more pressing. Seems like it should be unrelated, and, I have noted over the years, when it rains, it pours.
2.) Is there anything special about the steel line or can I just use an over-the-counter line to replace it with?
3.) Are there any diagrams on-line, or do I add to my ever-growing Haynes library?
Thanks for the help ahead of time.... |
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walshja
Joined: 03 Apr 2001 Posts: 1139 Location: guilford, ct, usa
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Posted: Mon Nov 02, 2009 1:22 pm Post subject: |
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welcome Steve.
I can answer your 1st question, your brake wear indicator has nothing to do with your leak.
There are 2 brake wear sensors on your car, 1 in the front, 1 in the rear. The sensor is on the brake pad, and wears away as your brakes wear down. The general rule of thumb when doing your brakes is to replace everything: pads, rotors and sensor (if it's triggered). BMW charges $650 per axle for a brake job, you can do it all yourself for about $200 and a couple hours of work. This is an easy job. _________________ joe
1994 325iC, 195k miles
http://home.comcast.net/~walshja/index.html <--- check it out
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stevepl17
Joined: 01 Nov 2009 Posts: 5 Location: Munroe Falls, Ohio
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Posted: Mon Nov 02, 2009 3:45 pm Post subject: thanks |
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Thanks,
I assumed they weren't related but wanted to throw that out there.
I have already checked around about part prices as well for the brakes--I do usually try to do them myself to save a buck or two...or 400...! |
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edjack
Joined: 04 Feb 2002 Posts: 3887 Location: San Jose, CA
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stevepl17
Joined: 01 Nov 2009 Posts: 5 Location: Munroe Falls, Ohio
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Posted: Tue Nov 03, 2009 5:07 pm Post subject: thanks |
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The steel line is rotted. The car has spend most of it's life in NE Ohio, the salted-road capitol of the world. I have decided to take it to a shop for convenience--I have the tools, but I would rather let someone else flare (I hate flaring lines) and bend the lines.
Thanks for the tip on the manual--Bentleys is better than Haynes? I have a vintage Mini and my Haynes is like a Bible to me... |
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edjack
Joined: 04 Feb 2002 Posts: 3887 Location: San Jose, CA
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Posted: Tue Nov 03, 2009 8:51 pm Post subject: |
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I've not seen a Haynes for the E39. The Bentleys' comes in two thick volumes, lots of info. Consider also getting the BMW TIS and ETK. You can get bootleg copies on ebaY. _________________
Ed BMW CCA member since 1987 (Nr. 62319).
'97 540i 6 speed Aspensilber over Aubergine interior. |
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