Any advice or a post on changing out pads yourself?

[crash32]

I did a search on this forum and could not find what I was looking for. I am going to change my pads out on my M4 for an upcoming track weekend and need some help from you guys. I used to have an e92 M3 and there was a post that was very helpful to me telling me what tools to get .... brake spreader... motive brake bleeder etc. It was very helpful.
I know that the brakes on the M4 are different than the previous generation as there are now pins you remove as the pads drop out instead of taking the entire caliper off.
Are there any specialized tools that will make it a lot easier for me or anything special I need to take note of as I do this small project?
Thanks in advance!!!

[OhioRiderAaron]

You'll need punch set (remove guide pins from caliper), pad spreader (optional, but recommended), and basic tools for wheel/tire removal. You do not need to remove calipers for brake brake replacement.

You don't need to change brake fluid unless it's been a while since the last flush, OEM is pretty good. If it's been a while go ahead and flush with DOT4 (fresh OEM is ok IMO), motive bleeder works well.

[crash32]

Is there a certain size punch set that you guys recomend?
I already have motul 600 brake fluid to bleed it out with.

[Suds]

I found this pretty good.

[OhioRiderAaron]

Originally Posted by crash32

Is there a certain size punch set that you guys recomend?
I already have motul 600 brake fluid to bleed it out with.

Originally Posted by Suds

I found this pretty good.

I recommend getting a set of punches, that way you have multiple sizes. Harbor Freight has em and I'm sure sears and everywhere else too. You want to use the largest punch possible to get the pin loose, then switch to a smaller one so you don't flake the paint off too much (it'll probably still happen tho).

The video above is pretty good and is easy to follow.

Get something similar to this (whatever brand you prefer): https://www.harborfreight.com/8-piec...set-93424.html

[crash32]

Thanks guys... after some extensive research it seems as if many people were in love with the Brembo pin punch, but I have looked at 5 websites and all of them are "sold out" or currently unavailable including Amazon.

[jaysant1]

There's a sticky at the top of the forum page with a pretty good video. Goes through everything. Very helpful.

[rubber_ducky]

Originally Posted by crash32

Thanks guys... after some extensive research it seems as if many people were in love with the Brembo pin punch, but I have looked at 5 websites and all of them are "sold out" or currently unavailable including Amazon.

You’re overthinking this. Get a punch set from sears, Amazon, harbor fright, etc and be done with it.

[eltoshan]

Originally Posted by rubber_ducky

You’re overthinking this. Get a punch set from sears, Amazon, harbor fright, etc and be done with it.

This. It's just a piece of metal that you're going to hit with a hammer.

[IrvineTim]

Changing these pads in the front is a piece of cake!!! Cannot speak to the rears.
This tool help a lot, it has an indentation the a punch does not have.

https://www.racingbrake.com/product-p/ccp01.htm

you tube brother!!! has everything!! even brain surgery!!!

pad change

you can compress the brake pistons with your fingers with no problem, leave the pads in and press with your fingers, piece of cake!!

[crash32]

I have been looking for that punch..... out of order everywhere. Starting to wonder if they simply stopped making them.

[gsrbri]

Originally Posted by crash32

I have been looking for that punch..... out of order everywhere. Starting to wonder if they simply stopped making them.

I bought a punch set at Home Depot. Well-made and works perfectly. You want to experiment w/sizes to avoid chipping the caliper paint.

Also, a small 2x4 block of wood is good to push the pistons back - although I change fluid so frequently that I can usually use my fingers

[Sidebrowns]

Originally Posted by crash32

I have been looking for that punch..... out of order everywhere. Starting to wonder if they simply stopped making them.

It appears to be available here though I haven't gone all the way through the checkout to find out. It does let you put it in the cart though.

[Zoli007]

Rubber mallet and a flat head screw driver... Works fine for me and I have not chipped my paint.

[crash32]

Sidebrowns, thanks to you... finally found a website that has them in stock and ordered them.

Thanks

[Poiseuille]

Great thread, thanks for starting!

[fivemegabytes]

Didn't know this tool existed till I saw this thread. The punch is back on Amazon again. The dimple on both ends should make it easier to put the pins back.
https://www.racingbrake.com/product-p/ccp01.htm
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07QXMGT6X