E30 brake issue

P_Roloff

Lately, I've been having an interesting problem with the e30. Once the brakes heat up, the left rear rotor/caliper makes an awful squealing noise, but only while off the brakes. Once you press the pedal, it goes away. I've tried anti squeal but it didn't change anything. Any ideas on what's wrong? I'm thinking it's probably a dragging caliper, but maybe someone on here has some insight.

Boris3

If you haven't done this already drive it around the neighborhood until it starts making the noise, jack up the rear of the car, put it on jack stands, remove the left wheel and with some work gloves on turn the rotor (or better yet have a friend turn the other rear wheel) to see if the caliper is sticking or the rotor is warped.

Are the pads new, what type are they, any uneven wear, etc.

YoungCR

I'll be up at my shop tomorrow if you want me to help look over it. Also have a spare set of rear pads and rotors too.

B C

You can also take a short low speed drive around the neighborhood, avoid using the brakes (sorry kids!) and use an IR thermometer to compare rotor temperatures to see the extent of the dragging

The remedy may end up being new caliper guide pins or just lubricating the ones that are in there

P_Roloff

Thanks for the responses. They're new rotors as of last summer, along with new pagid red (bavauto) pads. Guide pins weren't replaced, so that's probably a good place to start.

YoungCR

Lubed the guide pins this afternoon. We're guessing it's a real wheel bearing going out.

KaiserRolls

YoungCR said:

Lubed the guide pins this afternoon. We're guessing it's a real wheel bearing going out.

As opposed to a fake one

But for serious. Jack the car up and see if there's play?

YoungCR

Damn autocorrect lol. We didn't have time but yes that would be the next step.

P_Roloff

I'll let you guys know more when I get back home on Sunday. In the meantime, what would you guys recommend for replacing the bearings? Just pull the trailing arms or drop the whole subframe out?