Information about modifications and repairs to the braking system on your BMW 2002 and Neue Klasse car. Stopping made easy. Submit an Article if you have something to share.
The pressure differential valve is the device that alerts you if you have a leak in one of your brake circuits. The valve contains a specially shaped piston in the middle of a cylinder. Each side of the piston is exposed to the pressure in one of the two brake circuits. As long as the pressure in both circuits is the same, the piston will stay centered in its cylinder. But if one side develops a leak, the pressure will drop in that circuit, forcing the piston off-center. This closes a switch, wh
The "big brakes" upgrade is probably the most-frequently asked question when it comes to upgrading an '02 for high-performance driving. In fact "big brakes" is really a misnomer because what we are really after here isn't necessarily a larger diameter brake rotor (although these upgrades below do give you a marginally larger rotor), but in fact rotors that are vented for better cooling.
Braking systems are basically heatsinks that suck kinetic energy out of a bunch of flying metal, plastic
Hi All,
This is my first post to this forum and first up, I'd like to thank all those that have come before me and shared their tips and tricks for everyone.
After recently completing the Girling Caliper/ Vented Rotor front brake upgrade to my 74' 2002, I decided to tackle the rear brakes as the shoes were pretty worn and I was at maximum adjustment. I'd read about the fun and games with getting that lower "M" shaped spring back on without losing an eye in the process and was a bit sce
I wanted to change the rear drums on my 2002 to disks. There are no problems with using drums for daily use, but in a race car i wanted to have a bit more maintenance and better consistency day after day. The rules for SCCA FSP class require the car to retain the parking brake. So one of the better ways was to go to the VW Disk conversion. Ireland Engineering sells the full kit that can easily be installed by anyone. What i installed was very similar, but i used an aluminum caliper.
Written by steve kupper Sunday, 08 March 2009
Use DOT 3 brake fluid. Use only brake fluid that has not been opened. Brake fluid absorbs moisture, moisture boils before brake fluid, boiling water does not stop 2002s.
Three pints should be on hand to change out the brake and clutch systems.
Three methods discussed.
Gravity
1. Fill the reservoir, open the bleed screws and let the brake fluid leak everywhere overnight.
Old fashion way - need a partner or helper.
1. Protect the area around the
This upgrade is to compliment a pre-existing Volvo/320i vented system (-or whatever it is you Tii fellas do..) that can be added to the front with relative ease.
In an effort to replicate the placement of the calipers in a rear conversion at the stock(ish) 3 and 9 O'clock positions as compared to the front calipers, I worked with Todd21 who had formulated a plan based on the work of others, combined with his own ideas.
Here is the stock location of the front calipers which we are attem
I knew I needed new brake hoses when I tried to bleed my brakes and could not get any fluid to come out of the wheel cylinders because of the 40 year old swollen rubber lines. I knew my front hoses were replaced about 20 years ago because of the 9/94 date on them so I decided to replaced them for good measure.
I started with the front drivers side. After soaking the fittings with PB Blaster for a couple of weeks, I tried to remove the front hoses. The nuts on the line would not turn. I tried cl
Contributed by felix_666 Saturday, 07 March 2009 I have written this article because I live in Australia and you cannot simply trade calipers for $50 a pop at your local BMW specialist centre – no such thing for 02’s. For that money you will get them rebuilt excluding the kits and providing the calipers are a straightforward job. I reckon if you paid someone to do the lot it would cost over $250, easily. If I took the mentality of: “its going to save your life!”, then I wouldn’t be nearly as clo
The e21 rear drum brake upgrade is a cheap, effective way to improve rear braking, particularly to match a "big brake" upgrade up front. It involves simply pulling the required parts from a donor 320i and exchanging them for the 2002 parts. There are a couple of complications, but its an otherwise fairly straightforward job.
Tools and Parts Needed:
36mm socket and big breaker bar for big rear hub nuts. The SAE equivalent is approximately 1 7/16"
10, 13, 17, and 19mm sockets an
I went to install front brake pads on my '73 2002 with stock brakes earlier this week. My current pads ended up still having plenty of life, but I thought I would post pictures to the extent that might help others.
My process followed from Haynes:
1. Parts/Tools - new brake pads, 1/8" flat head punch, small hammer, brake cleaner (note: depending on the condition of your retaining pins and anti-rattle spring, you could need replace them)
2. Jack up car and remove the front w
