I brought my car in yesterday to have the regular vehicle check maintenance done. I also wanted them to check the rear passenger brakes because they have been squeaking for a while. They last changed the brakes in jan or feb of this year but I received the update today and the service rep said that the brakes squeak because of the sensor. They can not change the brakes because it is not due for brake service (at 7mm) and if i want to correct the squeaking it would be $219 to replace them. Does this sound right? Why would the sensor be squeaking if the brakes are fine? Thanks for the help

 

aboard!!

Not sure if you know this but there are 2 sensors for our brakes, one at the driver side front wheel and one at the passenger side rear wheels. How long have you noticed this squealing? What side of the vehicle is this "squeal" coming from? Knowing this will help narrow down the problem. I would also ask your SA (service advisor) if they had replaced the sensor at time of the brake service back in jan/feb, because to my understanding, when BMW replaces your brake pads they also replace the sensors as well and resets the counter; IF you're under warranty. If its the sensor then just maybe, they didn't install it right (can happen cause this happened to me too btw).

It's a relatively cheap and easy R&R. Just remove your wheel and you'll notice a loose wire from the middle of the caliper. Before you pull out the sensor, notice its position. It should be ON THE BRAKE PAD (the hard metal piece with a notch in it) and not in between the pad and the rotor. This is how it can be installed wrong; the sensor is basically "floating" in between the pad and the rotor and not securely on the pad. Pull it out gently (its in place by a snug fit only) and visually inspect it. There should not be any indication of wear or a broken seal on it. If there is then thats why its squealing. Buy a new one and replace it. Hope this helps and good luck!

 

I don't know what say, man. Sorry to hear that and sorry that your dealer won't fix this even though they may have created this problem. I would insist on talking to the service manager and ask him in a nice way why you should be expected to live with this squeak that you never had and only occurred after they did your brakes. G/L

 

I have the same problem. After they replaced the rear brake pads when the car was under warranty. I went back for the squeal issue. They tried 2 times and seems fixed the problem. However, the squeal came back in summer time and it is quiet in winter time. Now, my car is out of original warranty, I will take a look at the rear brake when I change the pads myself.

 

Thanks for all the help and the welcome to the forum. The SA insists that the sensor was replaced and was installed correctly and says this is a very common problem. I'm kind of tired of arguing with him so if it's an easy fix, i'll just open it up and check out the sensor myself.