StopTech 380mm/355mm BBK Install Review

[rzm3]

Combined with http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=339849

[JAJ]

Looks great! Well done.

By the way - if you have to disconnect the brake flex lines and leave them disconnected (as you did) there are two tricks that will stop the brake fluid reservoir from draining fluid while you work with the lines disconnected.

The one I use goes like this: start the install process by first removing the cap from the brake fluid reservoir and covering the hole with something to seal it. I stretch a nitrile glove over the opening and screw on the cap for my pressure bleeder to seal it over the top.

This trick stops the brake fluid from draining out by creating a slight vacuum in the master cylinder fluid reservoir. The first line you open will drain until the vacuum is established and from then on only a few drops will come from the open lines.

Another trick that is supposed to work, although I've never tried it, is to push the brake pedal part-way down with a pedal jack before you start. As you push the piston in on the master cylinder, it blocks the fluid duct to the reservoir and keeps the fluid from leaking.

[rzm3]

Originally Posted by JAJ

Looks great! Well done.

By the way - if you have to disconnect the brake flex lines and leave them disconnected (as you did) there are two tricks that will stop the brake fluid reservoir from draining fluid while you work with the lines disconnected.

The one I use goes like this: start the install process by first removing the cap from the brake fluid reservoir and covering the hole with something to seal it. I stretch a nitrile glove over the opening and screw on the cap for my pressure bleeder to seal it over the top.

This trick stops the brake fluid from draining out by creating a slight vacuum in the master cylinder fluid reservoir. The first line you open will drain until the vacuum is established and from then on only a few drops will come from the open lines.

Another trick that is supposed to work, although I've never tried it, is to push the brake pedal part-way down with a pedal jack before you start. As you push the piston in on the master cylinder, it blocks the fluid duct to the reservoir and keeps the fluid from leaking.

Yeah I've heard about the vacuum trick. But the thing is that I don't have a pressure bleeder cap... I still bleed the old fashioned way

[JAJ]

Originally Posted by rldzhao

... I don't have a pressure bleeder cap... I still bleed the old fashioned way

I have three pressure bleeders and I bleed my M3 brakes the old-fashioned way too! It's simple economics - I can do a full flush with 1 liter of SRF the "old-fashioned way" or I can open two bottles and do it with the pressure bleeder.

All you need for the rubber glove trick is a lid for the reservoir that doesn't have a level sensor hanging down. According to Motiv's website, every BMW since the 60's is the same, so swing by a wrecker and get a cap off just about any old BMW and remove the switch mechanism. Because the rubber glove does the all the work, the cap just has to thread on and hold the rubber glove in place; it doesn't have to seal.

[rzm3]

I see. I guess I definitely should get one of these caps...

[STALKER]

Congrats.
Brakes look great.
How is the pedal feel with the big Stoptechs?

[gr8000]

What is the downside in removing the dust shields from the front?

[rzm3]

I've asked, but very few have answers. But based on experience there shouldn't be any significant side effects.

[Maseroche]

Good choice going with these!