Rebuilt Calipers - Pins, What's the issue? 30648017

[jreed]

When I replaced the front calipers on my '97 855 GLT about a year ago with some rebuilt units I got from Advance Auto, I noticed that the pins that came with the rebuilt calipers were not stainless steel -- at least, they were strongly attracted to a magnet. The OEM pins were not attracted to the same magnet, so I figured they were made of stainless steel. I opted to clean up the original pins and reuse them. So far they have been continuing to work well.

[RussB]

Actually, if you search google using bmw 34110 41349, you will see this ATE part used in many European vehicles.

It cross-references to FTE pins, which are $14.49 for a pair, or $7.25/each:
http://www.eeuroparts.com/Parts/59268/D ... 000K10005/

You guys are hard core Volvo geeks! Well done, cn90. I've actually never considered the pins on rebuilt calipers before and just used whatever was in there. Even here in salty New England, I've never had an issue with frozen pins...but I have had pistons seize up on rebuilts.

[rick4484]

CN90, I see the link you provided references the same pins under the BMW part number, and the price is around $14.00 per set, when normally they would be $49.00 per set. Have you purchased a set of these? If so, what differences, if any, have you found. My concern is the price difference is such a drop that it raises suspicion that the supplier has a new source.......possibly China? How would one tell the difference?

[cn90]

No I have not bought it. However, FTE is the same as ATE, the original maker.
I'd not worry about it. When you buy FTE, you get good stuff, whether it is brake caliper seal rebuild kit or bleeders or sliding pins.
Give it a try and report back.

PS: You can call eeuroparts and ask them to check the box for you to see where it is made.

[cn90]

Actually, if you search google using bmw 34110 41349...

EDIT: the correct BMW is 34110141349. In the original post, I missed the "1".
But anyway, eeuroparts has it.

[rick4484]

I'm going to keep my originals and send the cores back with the pins from the rebuilds, so I'm not worried. But, to those who may be thinking they're getting something better from eeuroparts than the ones that came with the rebuilds, I'd say maybe and maybe not. Chances are, a part like the pin is not manufactured by FTE or ATE, but rather procured by them from another source and assembled onto their product. I've seen reputable manufacturers in other industries opt for a less expensive part to include in their reputable product only to find they need to change to a more expensive part after failures. Heat can affect different metals in different ways, and if these pins are from China, not traditionally known for the best quality in production, then it could also be an inferior part. It may not make a noticeable difference to the daily driver, but braking extremes might be affected to some degree. Whenever I see a dramatic difference in price, even from that of a dealership, I wonder how is it possible?

[skloon]

I re-use my pins but did get some from Rockauto a while back they were 0.99 a pair and rebuild kits were $1.99 the pins were made in Germany the kits from USA ymmv

[theWIFES_S70]

Wow, thanks for this heads up guys. Will definitely check out the pins in my rebuilt calipers. Will be getting on this on Thursday. Two front seized calipers... Thank you NYC snow and salt!

[abscate]

Grease the crap out of them zmarco. I know there are those who don't like grease near brakes, but in the Northeast you need to keep the salt out of the sliding surfaces. BMW tells everyone not to grease pins, but my dealer here in upstate.....greases the pins.

[theWIFES_S70]

Grease the crap out of them zmarco. I know there are those who don't like grease near brakes, but in the Northeast you need to keep the salt out of the sliding surfaces. BMW tells everyone not to grease pins, but my dealer here in upstate.....greases the pins.

Always! I just bought a tub of silicone to do so! There are many brakes that I end up changing in my family... (I had been using the Permatex green stuff for a bit but will try this now. I know a few folks who swear by silicone for brake jobs.) You know, I just changed some rear brakes on a Mini the other day and I was concerned about how bone dry the pins were... I read up on it and the BMW service manual says never to lube pins. I lubed them anyway! Dry pins make no sense! Glad to know that a dealer does the same. The salt up here is insane...

I'll post a picture of the difference between OEM pins and the A1Cardone pins... I wonder if they'll be that different!