How to tell if brake disks need replacing?

Over Clocker

Over Clocker

Over Clocker

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Hi guys,

Over the past week by front brakes (BMW E46 330i) have started to squeal a bit. I've checked the pads and there is loads let on them, as they were replaced about 4 months ago or so. How could you tell if the disks are worn down, and would this cause squealing?

It does sound like a more metal on metal sound rather than just dust, and there was some scoring on one of the disks.

Cheers,

Mal
 
The squeaking will be the pad, not the disc and some copper slip on the back of the pad should sort that out. You should replace the disk if it has a large lip, corrosion or scoring.
 
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Have you check bot sides of the discs? Discs which look fine on one side can be completely FUBAR on the other as I found on my rear discs.
 
don't mean to sabotage thread but i just got 2 new front tyyres fitted at ats and was told my front discs are wearing thin... got quoted 140 quid for them... this a good deal?
 
Vintage_Geek said:
Sounds more like you have a small stone stuck in there.
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I had this problem. Squealing noise coming from one wheels. Took the pads off and turns out there was a small bit of grit stuck between the pad and the disc, a quick sand down of the pad and clean up, put it back in and problem solved.
 
dannyjo22 said:
Haha hopefully next time you post a thread for help or advice everyone will just post the same back to you or take it to a pc repair shop ;)
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TBH with something like brakes, it's probbably best to get a professionals opinion on the matter.
 
jamoor said:
TBH with something like brakes, it's probbably best to get a professionals opinion on the matter.
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They are noisy, it's not like they aren't working.

Squealing is usually due to lack of lubed shims, aggressive pads, lack of pads :D or pad movement in the caliper.

Lube the shims first before you do anything more drastic.
 
smr said:
don't mean to sabotage thread but i just got 2 new front tyyres fitted at ats and was told my front discs are wearing thin... got quoted 140 quid for them... this a good deal?
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Yeah that's great! I think Bugatti charge roughly 10 times that for just ONE disc.
 
smr said:
don't mean to sabotage thread but i just got 2 new front tyyres fitted at ats and was told my front discs are wearing thin... got quoted 140 quid for them... this a good deal?
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As an indication.. 2 front discs on my motorbike are over £300! :eek: .
 
Lopéz said:
Don't be such a fanny.

If a disc looks like this, you've had your money's worth.

http://www.connieanddicks.com/images/real-bad-rotor.jpg
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:eek::eek:

On second thoughts - naaaaah - there's plenty of life left in that! All they need to do is unstick the probably seized inner piston, and seize up the outer with some fine grit or something. Then they can do the same miles again on the other side of that disk. Simples :)
 
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