What could happen if rubber brake boot is damaged or torn?

Slick_FThirty · 04-15-2023, 07:08 PM

First time replacing the brakes on my 2013 F30 328i Xdrive.

I made a nood mistake. I know, I should have paid more attention. While clipping in the brakes into my rear caliper, two of the three spring clips were in the piston. But the third clip was not, and was actually pressing against the rubber. The clip was in the groove between the 2 bulges of rubber. I’m just trying to explain this, but the clip was inserted between the 2 rubbers.

I didn’t use super force. I was pushing it and realized that one side wasn’t cooperating. That’s when I realized the clip was up against the rubber. I applied reasonable force with my thumbs.

I couldn’t really see any damage, but again, it was in the groove and so I easily could not have seen damage.

What’s the worst that could happen? I’m guessing I should just take it to a mechanic?

Billfitz · 04-15-2023, 09:21 PM

The boot can be replaced. Look it up at realoem.com

SuperLomi · 04-16-2023, 06:14 AM

The worst that can happen is the brake piston sizes up and you have to replace or rebuild the caliper, and possibly rotor.

The boot prevent water and dust from getting to the sliding surface of the brake piston.

Definitely fix it asap if it’s torn.

04-15-2023, 07:08 PM	#1
Slick_FThirty First Lieutenant 125 Rep 326 Posts Drives: 13' BMW 328i Xdrive Join Date: Oct 2019 Location: Canada iTrader: (0)	First time replacing the brakes on my 2013 F30 328i Xdrive. I made a nood mistake. I know, I should have paid more attention. While clipping in the brakes into my rear caliper, two of the three spring clips were in the piston. But the third clip was not, and was actually pressing against the rubber. The clip was in the groove between the 2 bulges of rubber. I’m just trying to explain this, but the clip was inserted between the 2 rubbers. I didn’t use super force. I was pushing it and realized that one side wasn’t cooperating. That’s when I realized the clip was up against the rubber. I applied reasonable force with my thumbs. I couldn’t really see any damage, but again, it was in the groove and so I easily could not have seen damage. What’s the worst that could happen? I’m guessing I should just take it to a mechanic? __________________ If you can imagine it, you can achieve it. If you can dream it, you can become it.
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04-15-2023, 09:21 PM	#2
Billfitz Lieutenant General 8271 Rep 16,133 Posts Drives: '15 328iX GT Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: New Hampshire iTrader: (0)	The boot can be replaced. Look it up at realoem.com
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04-16-2023, 06:14 AM	#3
SuperLomi First Lieutenant 204 Rep 383 Posts Drives: 2013 335i M-Sport Join Date: Nov 2020 Location: KY iTrader: (0)	The worst that can happen is the brake piston sizes up and you have to replace or rebuild the caliper, and possibly rotor. The boot prevent water and dust from getting to the sliding surface of the brake piston. Definitely fix it asap if it’s torn.
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