How to Replace BMW X3 Brakes

1. Lift the X3 with the jack and place the vehicle on jack stands.
2. Remove the wheels with a lug nut wrench and set them aside. You can find the wrench in the hatch of your BMW X3.
3. Remove the caliper with a ratchet and use a bungee cord to hang the caliper. Do not let the caliper hang from the brake hose as the hose might break and cause fluid to leak.
4. Remove the brake rotor from the hub. The rotor might require force to be removed; if it does, use a hammer to hit the rotor in the center where the lug studs are located. Take care not to hit the studs.
5. Remove the new rotor from its packaging and use brake cleaner to remove the grease from the rotor. Grease is applied on the rotor in the factory to inhibit rust during storage.
6. Install the new rotor onto the hub.
7. Install the caliper bracket with new brake pads onto the rotor and fasten it to the steering knuckle. Use a ratchet to tighten the bolts.
8. Open the master cylinder reservoir so you don't break a seal while compressing the brake caliper.
9. Compress the brake caliper with a C-clamp so that the caliper can fit over the new brake pads. Install the caliper by securing it to the brake caliper bracket with a ratchet.