[John H.]

My goodness! Trying to get this clip back on was brutal! Any tips would be appreciated!

[.BMW.]

A third hand would help!

Really difficult to do yourself.

[John H.]

I discovered that having the piston fully compressed will give you some flexibility and space.

One option is to hook top, insert center tab, and then force bottom hook with a flathead screwdriver.

Second option is to install both hooks, and force the center tab by prying up, and pushing tab into place.

So, this is what I did...



Rotors - StopTech
Dust Shield - VHT Primer, VHT Satin Black
Caliper/Mount - VHT Primer, VHT Titanium Silver Blue, VHT Clear
Rotor Set Screw - ECS Stainless
Pads - OEM BMW
Sensor OEM BMW
Rattle Clip - OEM BMW

Lotsa prep work. Took hours to clean. Used Dremel, wire brush, brake clean, etc... Happy with results; however, will go back in a week to touch up a few spots.

In the near future, I'll take better pictures to post.

Special thanks to Member Tallest for inspiring me to do this. His post can be found at: https://f10.5post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1466735

[NinetyEight740]

Patience. It isn’t easy and will test you.

[John H.]

[etnsandman]

Man those clips are a bear. I found going slow helped to. Ca't rush them os wham! One side will slip out and your back to square one.

[windowmaker]

Get the two far clips in first, then twist using a flathead screwdriver. It was a pita.

[John H.]

Originally Posted by windowmaker

Get the two far clips in first, then twist using a flathead screwdriver. It was a pita.

Copy. Thanks!

I forgot to mention that these are new clips, not as flexible as old.

[jaydiemm]

Originally Posted by John H.

I discovered that having the piston fully compressed will give you some flexibility and space.

One option is to hook top, insert center tab, and then force bottom hook with a flathead screwdriver.

Second option is to install both hooks, and force the center tab by prying up, and pushing tab into place.

So, this is what I did...



Rotors - StopTech
Dust Shield - VHT Primer, VHT Satin Black
Caliper/Mount - VHT Primer, VHT Titanium Silver Blue, VHT Clear
Rotor Set Screw - ECS Stainless
Pads - OEM BMW
Sensor OEM BMW
Rattle Clip - OEM BMW

Lotsa prep work. Took hours to clean. Used Dremel, wire brush, brake clean, etc... Happy with results; however, will go back in a week to touch up a few spots.

In the near future, I'll take better pictures to post.

Special thanks to Member Tallest for inspiring me to do this. His post can be found at: https://f10.5post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1466735

the caliper color looks good, you might want to double check the direction of the drilled rotors on the drivers side vs passenger side... is it reversed ??

[John H.]

Originally Posted by jaydiemm

the caliper color looks good, you might want to double check the direction of the drilled rotors on the drivers side vs passenger side... is it reversed ??

Hi Jay. Thanks for looking out! However, they are installed correctly. I even called Centric to confirm instructions.

[Sylverlee]

Nice wheels John!

[ezaircon4jc]

Originally Posted by John H.

Hi Jay. Thanks for looking out! However, they are installed correctly. I even called Centric to confirm instructions.

Be alert for micro-cracks from the holes. I had a few sets (I don't really remember the brands) and they all developed micro-cracks emanating from the bevels at the holes.

[John H.]

Originally Posted by ezaircon4jc

Be alert for micro-cracks from the holes. I had a few sets (I don't really remember the brands) and they all developed micro-cracks emanating from the bevels at the holes.

Yes, have experienced such. Will monitor rotors.

My first set of StopTechs. Hopefully, they will hold up.

[John H.]

Originally Posted by Sylverlee

Nice wheels John!

Hey, bro! You are to blame for my HRE wheel purchase! ;-). Hope all is well!

[kswieringa]

I just did a full brake job and caliper paint. That front clip is a huge PITA.
I had to take a break the first night. https://f10.5post.com/forums/images/smilies/mad0260.gif What worked was pushing the caliper tight against the outside of the rotor, then sliding the end tabs of the clip behind the caliper bracket while keeping the plate tight against the caliper. Then insert a screwdriver in the hole in the bracket while pushing in on the handle towards the rotor while pushing the hole end out towards where the rim of the wheel would be till the half moon tab slid in the groove.

[John H.]

Originally Posted by kswieringa

I just did a full brake job and caliper paint. That front clip is a huge PITA.
I had to take a break the first night. https://f10.5post.com/forums/images/smilies/mad0260.gif What worked was pushing the caliper tight against the outside of the rotor, then sliding the end tabs of the clip behind the caliper bracket while keeping the plate tight against the caliper. Then insert a screwdriver in the hole in the bracket while pushing in on the handle towards the rotor while pushing the hole end out towards where the rim of the wheel would be till the half moon tab slid in the groove.

Thanks for the reply. I found it most easy by doing the following: hooking one end, set center tab in......then, while pressing center of clip with one hand, use other hand to grab the unmounted end with a pair of needle nose LOCKING pliers, flex it over the caliper mount edge. This method does the least damage to a painted caliper, and seems to be the quickest way. Again, LOCKING needle nose pliers.

[sesh1957]

Nice, Powerstop installs in the opposite rotation, interesting, this is tagged passenger. The slots move water outboard.

[tkalka17]

Hi, new to this forum. Going off of this thread, can anybody send a link to the anti-rattle clip online? Mine has fallen off when doing the front brakes and I need to get a replacement.

[rahdigga165]

Originally Posted by tkalka17

Hi, new to this forum. Going off of this thread, can anybody send a link to the anti-rattle clip online? Mine has fallen off when doing the front brakes and I need to get a replacement.

Realoem.com is going to be your best friend..you can do shopping on fcpeuro or ectunning. Part number might be 34116799386 and part only cost 20 bucks in fcpeuro..again cross reference your vehicle in realoem.

[John H.]

Originally Posted by ezaircon4jc

Be alert for micro-cracks from the holes. I had a few sets (I don't really remember the brands) and they all developed micro-cracks emanating from the bevels at the holes.

Have been monitoring the rotors. Nothing unusual to report. Has held up very well. StopTech/Centric rotors are solid.

[AussieBob]

Good bloody Lord these clips are really difficult, the worst BMW model I have ever had to deal with for brake pad changes. It has to be the worst anti-rattle clip design. I can see why aftermarket calipers are an option.

I used your first described method john H. and got the clip in three times before I was happy with how it lined up and gave it a road test. I used needle nose pliers, simliar to you, to bend and force the bottom clip in. If I see a huge long set in the future I think I will invest in it.

It is a great joy that the rear calipers don't have these awful awful clips.

New paint and decals are going on the calipers once I clear my head again. Why does BMW use this horrible design? What are the benefits, if any?

[bk_mike]

I used a couple of zip ties on each side to keep the clip in place. Still a PITA but it kept it from flying across the garage.