E39 - K&N Filter

Diary of a Second Hand 15 year old Beamer (Maintenance - Battery Drain included...,
BMW E39 520i year 2000 Engine 1995cc)
M Series.

Workshop/Diary - O/S Hub, Brake Dust Plate

What I would advise is to check to see if you can unscrew the torque or Allen key screw in the hub before disassembling the brake calliper. I didn't, thinking it would be straight forward, (usually is) in this instant it wouldn't budge. One can use WD40 penetrating oil or a Bunsen heat or hot flame. As time was ticking I decided to cut the old plastic lock ties from when I addressed the problem before as a quick resolve and use a fresh plastic lock tie.
On inspection of one of the control arms I noticed the rubber boot was a little flaky to my slight annoyance, as this control arm was replaced a few weeks after I gotthe car. The tie had obviously rubbed onto it after a period of time and damaged it. I don't think the rubber had split and I am hoping the BM will get through its MOT, we shall see. The problem with the brake dust plate is that the lower hole on the left of the plate was oversized, (Aluminium, erosion) and required an oversized washer to reform the bolt hole and overlap the eroded metal. The bolt was also missing so also required a bolt. I hadn’t got a bolt of the correct size. So it just left a conspicuous repair using another tie threaded through the plate and away from the rubber boot on the control arm. This was completed successfully and was much better than the first attempt but only as a short term temporary repair. Check for rotor clearance, (no scraping noises), calliper, wheel, refitted, brake pedal depressed a number of times and job done, for now. It feels like two paces forward and two paces backwards on today’s exercise. However, one is aware of what needs to be done and mentally register it; the problem is in the remembering. Be warned probe and those with experience, you will know, we have days like this.

fig: Source - Back Brake Dust Shield

fig.Source Front NS Dust Plate or Shield

fig.Source - Check Hub Screw can be undone.

Note: It is common for the left side of a dust plate to erode quicker than the right or get damaged first as it is more exposed to the elements.

fig.Source - Lock tie

Note: Some keys required are either Allen keys or a Torque or Star keys.

The size of the washer depend on the amount of metal missing from the plate through erosion and how flat the surface is. Not all plates have indentations as illustrated. The washer needs to be just larger than the eroded area, this will be the new bolt hole. This is an acceptable repair as long as the plate does not deteriorate further. One may wish to give the plate a good scrape and clean with a wire brush, a coat of anti-rust and a touch of paint before reassebly.

Note: The vehicle does not need brake pad dust shields to operate legally and a good ventilation can help with braking, Some owners have removed them, however, dust plates are there for a purpose and they are advised to keep them, to preventing debris like dust and small stones from damaging rotors and brake pads, preventing brake failure.
By using a lock-tie, for a short term repair is acceptable, be careful not to allow ties to come into contact with rubber boots etc, however must be replaced with a more permanent solution.

You may need a lock tie: >>

You may need two washers: >>

If two washers are required, one may wish to check for clearance. One washer placed under and one washer placed over the dust plate sandwiching the plate over the bolt hole and grips onto any remaining metal, ideally, good metal. The washer now becomes the new bolt hole and should now fasten firmly.