2nd Gen R56 Cooper S Most liked posts in thread: Brake Job

MINI Mania is way over priced...

 

I would suspect they would charge about 1 hour labor to do the rear brakes plus parts.
The parts cost will depend on what they use.
Mini Mania has an OEM rear brake kit for $275 (rotors, pads, sensors):
MINI Cooper - BRAKE MAINTENANCE KIT FCTRY RPLCMNTS - R55/56/57 C - new.MiniMania.com

If they use some non-OEM parts the parts cost should be cheaper.

So about $400 for OEM parts and labor.

 

You can find better stuff from M/A Sponsors for less money. Please support those that support us.

 

Whatever your "fantastic independent shop" charges. It'll be much higher than a brake job for a Ford and slightly less than a BMW. Tell the shop whether you're more concerned with price, dust, or braking performance and they'll recommend the right brake pads. Expect new pad wear sensors, too, unless the brake pad warning message hasn't come on.

 

Sorry, frustrated by another thread on another board, someone complaining about a good mechanic's price... Apologies for the transference.

MINI brakes are nearly identical to BMW brakes, with the exception of the integrated parking brake in the rear. Floating caliper brakes (such as those on the MINI) are the same anywhere you go, so labor probably isn't a variable. If your mechanic has experience with other Euro brands, he or she will probably have a good feel for what pads are available and a source for getting those pads quickly and at cost. My point is that your mechanic will probably get it right the first time and won't screw you over based on past history. If you're curious about his or her price, just call and ask. Brakes are easy to quote a price on because it's such a common job, even though he/she hasn't worked on MINIs before.

I think when I had front/rear pads/rotors/lines changed, it was 3 hours labor, so your labor cost will be somewhat less than that.

 

As suggested buy the parts yourself. Get the ones you want, then pay for the install. The installer may charge (seemingly) more since ususally they make money on the mark up of parts too.

This should be your cheapest way with the assurance you are using parts you want to use.

 

Good, then he will know you don't just push the rear brake pistons in, they have to be rotated as they are retracted. Someone not firmilliar with MINI's might not know this......

 

Ironically someone who works on Fords would (same story with the rears)... :ihih:

Good luck with the brake job. I would recommend doing it yourself unless you lack the tools and/or location to do the work. It's actually not too bad on the MINI.

 

Huh... All Fords?
I just replaced the rears in my 2007 Expedition by myself last week, and they pushed straight in..... Hope I didn't muck that job up....:eek6: Seem to be working fine though....

 

Just another perspective on a small point here that I think is somewhat important. Emphasis on small point...

Ask the mechanic if they can get the parts before you go out and buy them. If you buy the part, all the profit goes to the manufacturer. If the mechanic buys the part, the manufacturer gets some profit and the mechanic gets a small markup. Often the mechanic will pass on a savings to the customer, too. But if you're interested in supporting your local guys, let the shop buy the part unless they can't get it at cost.

As one mechanic described it to me, would you bring your own food to a restaurant?

 

Not sure about the trucks. :confused5: All of the passenger vehicles with disk rears I've worked on have had that same twist 'n' push piston. It was a real b*tch in my 2005 Mustang GT. Needed a funny "cube" tool to turn the piston. :crazy:

I usually cheat with a big c-clamp usually the combo of friction and twisting motion is enough. :ihih:

 

Some cars have the e-brake in the top hat of the rotor. Little brake shoes that use the center of the rotor as the drum. No twisting needed on those calipers.

 

Thats actually not too bad. Glad you've got a shop to do for a reasonable price that makes you comfortable. Happy Motoring!

 

Price seems reasonable. I would just let the shop get the parts and do the work.

If you are interested in better than OEM aftermarket parts, I would contact Way Motor Works. Way Motor Works

 

Sounds like you got a decent deal. I'd have been happy with that price. There are many fine vendors of MINI parts that sponsor this site.

I've used these & had great service & support.

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