I changed my front pads on the weekend and removed the guide pins, cleaned and re-lubed with Ultra Slick synthetic brake lubricant (as I normally do). This time though the lower guide pins were REALLY difficult to pull out. There is no wear or corrosion, but the rubber sleeve on the end of the pin seems to be softer now and it bunches up when trying to reinsert it. I goes back in with some coaxing, but is very stiff trying to move in and out. I don't remember it being like that before. Is this normally a wear item? MINI says the pins are not available separately - I would have to replace the whole calliper carrier ($245 each side!). So... Anyone else have that problem? Is there anyone that sells just the guide pins? I seem to ask a lot of questions lately!:blush2:
Mine where loose and floppy so I replaced them with a quality aftermarket part. I picked up the solid brass ones from Helix. (M/A site vendor) Second to last item on the page below. TYROLSPORT BRAKE CALIPER STIFFENING KIT You can find them here: Helix Motorsports
Sorry guys but the Brass Brake stiffening pins don't work on the R56's. I have not been able to get the pins for the R56 calibers by themselves yet.
That sucks, they're totally different. Thanks anyway. Looks like I'll be replacing the whole thing. what the... realoem lists them at $121, my dealer quoted me $245 each! We usually pay about 20% more in Canada, but this is ridiculous
You must have something in error..... You won't find a new OEM brake caliper for $121.... What P/N are you looking at?
not the caliper, the brake carrier (part 2) RealOEM.com * BMW R56 Cooper S Front wheel brake-Brake pad sensor
If the guide pins don't have any wear or corrosion.... Why not just get new rubber sleeves? 34116768189 Item #4 Repair Kit bellows....
I think Metalman's on it, the rubber is your problem, not the pin. It's possible the lube you used reacted with the rubber..... I use silicone paste - completely inert to rubber.
You got me all excited about the repair kit, but the bellows are not what I need. Bellows on the left are OK, it's the rubber sleeve at the arrow that's the problem. I agree it may have reacted with the caliper grease or maybe it's just old age (5 years, 130000 km). btw that's the lower pin; the upper calliper pin has a straight shaft with no rubber sleeve.
Aha, shows my ignorance, I did not kmow those pins had that rubber bit on the end. thanks for the clarification!
Yep, cuz I assumed when you said guides I had R53 on the brain! Which is funny because, sometimes I feel if I indeed had a brain, I would just drop it in the dirt.