Are there shoes within the rear brake discs, and is it possible for me to perform this task?

[ElectricEclipse]

Hello, I possess a 2016 automatic 3 Series equipped with a parking brake button. I have previously replaced brake pads and discs on other vehicles, but only on the front of those cars, not on this one. Is the rear simple to execute? Does the 3 Series possess a drum?

Thank you in advance.

[CyberMage]

Do you mean pressing the P button on the automatic gear selector PRND?
Do you possess a hand brake, also referred to as an emergency brake?

[ENVIOclev]

If you are referring to a handbrake, then no.If it is an ancient mechanical, then absolutely, park and hold.

[nicebubby8]

The 2016 3 Series is equipped with the same manual handbrake as my 4 Series.
Replacement is straightforward; however, it is essential to remember to engage the handbrake to prevent the vehicle from moving when replacing the front brakes.


When changing the rear components, it is essential to secure the vehicle using wheel chocks, as the handbrake must be disengaged to remove the disc; otherwise, the shoes will obstruct the disc's removal.

You wish to avoid the disruption caused by a vehicle in motion while work.

[QuirkyPixel]

This type of handbrake often features a lip on the interior of the drum section of the disc. To remove the shoes, it is advisable to utilise a small flat-blade screwdriver through a wheel bolt hole and retract the adjuster. It is uncomplicated, although requires some effort to identify the adjuster through the bolt hole. When installing the replacement components, reverse the process and modify the shoes using the adjuster rather than the handbrake cable.

[CyberMage]

The cable requires no adjustment; it is equipped with a spring-loaded slack adjuster that must be placed in the service position.

If it is an electronic handbrake, it is rather simple to perform, preferably utilising diagnostics to engage service mode; however, it can also be accomplished by removing the motor and manually unwinding it.

[ElectricEclipse]

Thank you everybody for your responses; they are quite beneficial. I am working night shifts, so I will respond late. My car is equipped with a handbrake and features an automatic gearbox, which includes a gear selector with positions for drive (D), neutral (N), reverse (R), and a park (P) button at the top. The vehicle must be in neutral, the parking brake disengaged, and the 'P' button deactivated to remove the disc. Are the shoes satisfactory, or must I replace them as well? The handbrake is not functioning effectively, therefore I am considering whether I can only tweak the shoes following the replacement of the discs as Jim suggested. What occurs when you press the 'p' button? Does it activate the pads or the shoes?

[ENVIOclev]

The P button does not engage the brakes; it locks the gearbox instead.
Regarding the shoes, I believe they are acceptable; nonetheless, I would opt to change them to ensure their reliability for years to come.
The shoes should endure for the duration of the car's lifespan, I would presume.
 

[nicebubby8]

I replaced the rear disc and pads on my 2019 4 Series a few months ago, and the shoes appeared to be in excellent condition. A spray of brake cleaner will effectively clean the surface.
As others have mentioned, you will need to adjust the shoes after fitting the new disc. Numerous YouTube videos exist that demonstrate how to adjust shoes. Disregard the section concerning the modification of the handbrake lever.
The 'P' position merely secures the transmission, with no relation to the handbrakes.

[nicebubby8]

 

[QuirkyPixel]

The reason for their malfunction is that individuals operating automatic vehicles neglect to engage the handbrake, resulting in internal rusting of the drum.
I hardly utilise mine, but occasionally I will engage it briefly and drive until I reach the road to clean the drum.

[Rudy7831]

Always utilise my method; it is detrimental to place the vehicle in park and rest against the gears. My M4 has a specific sequence: engage the handbrake, wait a few seconds, shift into drive, then turn off the engine, or alternatively, shift into neutral, engage the handbrake, turn off the engine and then press again to shut down. This prevents the parking mechanism from merely resting on the gears, which I have been informed is poor practice.

[NevoBMW320i]

I concur; the responsibility should not be solely placed on the parking pawl. Engage the handbrake/e-brake first, then shift into park (P). In certain vehicles, selecting 'P' activates the electronic brake, as observed in my M340i and the M5; nonetheless, it is advisable to engage the parking brake first to prevent undue stress on the parking pawl.