guide pins on stock calipers - keep popping out

[stevehifi]

Hi Guys,

I'm not sure if anyone has experienced this but it's happened to me 2-3 times.

After a track day the guide pins on the stock calipers tend to pop out of their holes (rear is the worst). I guess there's alot of vibration under braking.

I'm using DS1.11 pads - these don't have the 'pad stop guides' like the stock pads (not sure I describe that well - but its the metal tabs at the top of the pad that prevent the pad from sliding inwards.)

Any suggestions on how to avoid this issue? (better solution). It's very alarming that this can happen.

Steve

[David0ff]

That's crazy! Never heard of that

So far on track I have chewed through 7 sets of front pads and 3 rears (hawk HP Plus) with oem backing plates (thin metal thing) never have my pins backed out. I have not swapped them for new, reusing oem.

Are you inserting them in with a light hammering? Maybe the brass bushing is super deformed and you may need new ones.

[NYG]

Originally Posted by stevehifi

Hi Guys,

I'm not sure if anyone has experienced this but it's happened to me 2-3 times.

After a track day the guide pins on the stock calipers tend to pop out of their holes (rear is the worst). I guess there's alot of vibration under braking.

I'm using DS1.11 pads - these don't have the 'pad stop guides' like the stock pads (not sure I describe that well - but its the metal tabs at the top of the pad that prevent the pad from sliding inwards.)

Any suggestions on how to avoid this issue? (better solution). It's very alarming that this can happen.

Steve

Make sure your tension clips aren't bent and positioned properly. Also make sure you hammer the pins all the way in.

Those two are more likely your issue than anything else.

[CanAutM3]

Might be the time to get new pins...

[stevehifi]

ok I just checked the caliper.. both got released from the two holes but at least the spring is still there and the pins didn't fully release.

I'll just buy new pins ($40 a pop - BMW tax) and a new spring

[stevehifi]

Originally Posted by NYG

Make sure your tension clips aren't bent and positioned properly. Also make sure you hammer the pins all the way in.

Those two are more likely your issue than anything else.

What do you mean buy tension clips exactly?

[NYG]

Originally Posted by stevehifi

What do you mean buy tension clips exactly?

Spring/tension clip.

If it isn't lined up on the grooves or applying any pressure on the pin then the pin may move, especially if it's not in all the way.

[r4dr]

Originally Posted by stevehifi

ok I just checked the caliper.. both got released from the two holes but at least the spring is still there and the pins didn't fully release.

I'll just buy new pins ($40 a pop - BMW tax) and a new spring

https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/...dware+kit,1736

[stevehifi]

Originally Posted by r4dr

https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/...dware+kit,1736

score! thanks.

[r4dr]

Originally Posted by stevehifi

score! thanks.

I have used Centric with other Brembo calipers to great success, I tried Dynamic Friction once and I would not be shocked if they came out of the same factory as Centric.

Make sure you hammer the pins in there. Delicately and precisely, of course. But they're a friction fit.

[jmg]

This is one of my worst fears! I always double check the pins are in all the way and seated in the tensioner clip properly. The clip should seat in the groove of the middle of the clips.

Also, make sure they are actually holding tension, maybe they are worn... or even backwards!

Make note of how much of the head of the pin sticks out the face of the caliper.
When the pin is set completely, they should almost be able to ever-so-slightly wiggle in place if there is no tension on them. Unfortunately, you can only check this way for the first pin, since there will be tension once the second pin is in.

[ellipsis212]

Any chance you have one of the rear pins trying to go up front? They'll reach but they won't stay and iirc only a few mm shorter so could happen if you didn't keep them separate

[ineedae46m3]

Never heard of this happening. I would just use a BFH to hammer then back in. My rears seem to protrude slightly further that the front I have noticed.

[BMMMW14]

Yeah. It happens, normally it's just one but last time out at the track both popped out of my right rear - that was interesting, luckily got the car in before any harm. I carry a full spare set, which is unreal.. what is so hard about a simple bolted bridge?!

[stevehifi]

that what happens if you're running track pads with large retaining holes (where the pins slide through). The cheap plate spring doesn't really do much. Such a crappy design. Obviously there's no chance of running aggressive pads on the street either as they squeel enough to split your ear drums since the pads move around so much.

What do you expect from a set of calipers are that are multi-purposed across the f30 and other vehicles. BMW just thinks they can upgrade the rotor, paint the caliper blue and call it a day.

[melanthius]

Turner motorsport sells the pins and tension clips (I would call them springs) rather conveniently