[Joetad]

So I decided to change my front brake pads myself yesterday. Looked up all online resources and felt I was ready to knock it out in an hour or so....

Until I ran into removing those stupid guide pins.

Everything I read reference older vehicles and claims I need a 7mm or 10mm hex head socket.

10mm is too small and 12mm is too large. I'm losing my mind here.

Can anyone please confirm that it is indeed a 11mm hex head that will remove the guide pins?

I would hate to admit defeat and take it in to let someone else put brake pads on it.

Thanks For The Help!

[r33_RGSport]

@Joetad , lucky you, I just did one today.
The guide pin is 7mm Hex Key.
But I didn't even remove them. I remove the hold caliper since it is easier.

[Joetad]

That's so strange.... I must have some type of aftermarket calipers or something. I removed the dust cap and I swear everything up to 10mm was too small. 12mm was too large.

I guess I can just remove the entire caliper but I was a little nervous I would damage the rotor trying to compress the piston a bit to get it off.

Anyone have any ideas? Do the M Sports have a different caliper or something? It's just really, really odd that everyone else can fit a 7mm and mine won't (and appears to be 11mm).

[Joetad]

Thanks for the reply btw...

[Joetad]

Ok so just to save anyone else the headache....

I have a 2011 BMW 550i and the guide pin bolts were 9mm hex head.

I ended up pulling the entire caliper but I am 100% sure they are 9mm now.

[r33_RGSport]

Originally Posted by Joetad

Ok so just to save anyone else the headache....

I have a 2011 BMW 550i and the guide pin bolts were 9mm hex head.

I ended up pulling the entire caliper but I am 100% sure they are 9mm now.

Ahh, yours is 550i, the one I did yesterday was 528i.