1st Gen R50 Cooper Gen 1 rear brake caliper piston.

Discussion in '1st Generation: 2002–06 R50, R53 & 2004–08 R52' started by M1N1, May 6, 2017.

  1. M1N1

    M1N1 Well-Known Member

    Jan 5, 2014
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    Fitted new Akebono pads to the rear of the Justa, and can't get the drivers side piston to retract. Passenger side went without a hitch, new pads and sensor fitted. Try as I might, I can't get the piston on the drivers side to retract. I have the tool that fits onto a 3/8 extension, and has the 2 pins to rotate the piston but no joy after about an hour of trying. Any ideas?
     
  2. DneprDave

    DneprDave Well-Known Member
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    Oct 23, 2010
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    Get new calipers for both sides.
     
  3. M1N1

    M1N1 Well-Known Member

    Jan 5, 2014
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    May have to get new calipers. Unfortunately, I have to make these work until then.
     
  4. M1N1

    M1N1 Well-Known Member

    Jan 5, 2014
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    Finally, after much rotating of the piston and resorting to my basic Anglo-Saxon heritage, I got the the piston in far enough to get the whole thing assembled. Think Dave may be right in that the caliper may need replaced, but that will have to wait awhile. Just paid out for a new stove, furnace repairs, and new storm door. On top of that, have to buy a new radiator support for the MINI. Ironically, I just purchased a full set of Gen 2 MCS brakes, with the intention of using of using the front calipers/carriers/pads on the Justa. Not sure if the Gen 2 rear calipers are a straight swap to Gen 1, or if would need to buy other parts to make them fit. Except for the front calipers/carriers, the Gen 2 brakes are nearly new with less than 50 miles on them.
     
  5. Crashton

    Crashton Club Coordinator

    Jun 4, 2009
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    I've had that happen & the final fix was a new caliper from eMINIparts.com. After you drive for a while check to make sure the pads on that side are not dragging. Feel for heat, but don't burn yourself.
     
  6. M1N1

    M1N1 Well-Known Member

    Jan 5, 2014
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    ^^^^^^ Will do. :Thumbsup:
     
  7. BlimeyCabrio

    BlimeyCabrio Oscar Goldman of MINIs
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    May 4, 2009
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    I'm a HUGE fan of upgrading these to the R56 rear calipers. Far, far superior. Requires some grinding of the trailing arms to clear the lines, and replacement e-brake cables. But eliminates all the crappy caliper shenanigans.
     
  8. Crashton

    Crashton Club Coordinator

    Jun 4, 2009
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    I didn't realize there was a difference between the R50/R53 & the R56 real calipers. I happy if they are better since Babs clubster has them. Thanks Paul. :Thumbsup:
     

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