Changing brakes, questions...

[first_bmw]

Just a couple of questions,

Do I need Hex Sockets, like the 6mm and the 8mm.
Or are they HEX Keys ?!?

Are they male or female.

Changing the front pads and rotors.

[bullmand]

I'm pretty sure you could do it with a hex key. The bolts are female, so you need a male tool, but you may not be able to get enough leverage on it with a key to get the bolt out.

[IndianaTravis]

I would get the male sockets. A set of them at Sears is like $30. The 8mm on the calipers are pretty easy to get out, but the 6mm rotor retainers can be pretty rusty. Start spraying penetrating spray on it before you try to take them out.

You'll also need leverage to hold the hub from spinning, I re-inserted two wheel bolts and used my breaker bar between them.

[DeadpaN]

For that pesky rotor retaining screw, have someone step on the brake pedal when you loosen it. If you don't have help, then prop something against the pedal. That screw is only tightened to 12ft/lbs so unless its really rusted, it should come off pretty easy.

[campaiar]

If its stuck (and it probably is) put a #3 screw driver in the screw head as you would to take it off, and hit the end of the screw driver with a hammer several times. This should free the screw from the rotor.

[Adog2107]

you need the male....for the retainer screw on the rotor it is a 6mm hex and the rear caliper is a 7mm hex

[Adog2107]

Also all depends on whatyou want....jsut the key...I recommend getting the socket part so you can throw it on a ratchet

[DeadpaN]

and for the hex sockets, Lowe's hardware, has a set for less than $20--and they're even made in USA and lifetime warranty.

[dave45056]

by the way, my slide pins needed a torx tool to get them out. T45 was the size.