Brakes Wheels 1st Gen Tires Brake pad and rotor replacement help for newbie!

The How To section under the Library tab (top of page) has write-up on front and rear brake replacements:
1st Generation MINI Cooper How-To - Library

Your parts list states ABS sensor. You do not need an ABS sensor, you instead need a brake pad wear sensor.
Here is the sensor you need (one for front and one for rear):
Brake Pad Sensor - Way Motor Works

You might want to check some of these kits (select based on your budget and driving style):
WMW EBC- Red Brake Package R50 R53 R52 - Way Motor Works
WMW EBC- Red Brake Package R50 R52 R53 - Way Motor Works

You state you have limited tools. Make sure you have everything you need to do the job right (these are your brakes). You will also need a couple special tools (available cheap at Harbor Freight Tools).
Torx Bit to get rotor off.
Brake Caliper Tool to twist and compress rear brake.

 

Also...

Large Allen wrench to remove caliper bolts...
Large channel lock pliers to push back front pads...
I don't think I would want to do a brake job relying on the OEM jack...a hydraulic jack? Harbor Freight specials are about $60...Obviously you don't get under the car with either, but the hydraulic jack is so much faster...
Wire brush to clean off hubs & pad carriers...

Single most important requirement...an experienced buddy!

 

Hi,
Good advice on how-to's is given already. Safety is a clear priority as well. I am impressed you want to work on it yourself and totally support that.

<with helpful intent> First - I suggest you get an estimate from another shop as well, before you drop the coin. And make the shops explain why you need all the parts.
For example - Saying you need rotors doesn't always make it true. Are they truly worn down to the replacement stage? Make them show you.

example 2 - I have read on the forums of people who had the brake sensor malfunction (rubbed through the harness and/or bad connection IIRC) which makes the light come on. This means the 1 sensor needs replacing, not the whole kit and caboodle.

Just emphasizing - using evidence based decision making is a good way to do the spending.

How many miles on your 06, and do you have any maintenance history for the car? That can be helpful.

Keep us posted and good luck!

 

+1 on EBC Red Stuff pads from WMW.

Even with a good race jack, Craftsman has one for a hair more than $50.00, don't ever put any of you under the car you don't want squished. Craftsman also has floor stands for around $ 10.00 to $12.00 apiece. Then you don't have to worry about it.

By the way, an easy way to get good buddy help is with a fine craft brew.

 

:cornut: 1st POST! Welcome to MA. The guys are giving you very good advice by the way. THANKS GUYS! Good luck with the brake job!

Jason

 

You've probably already gotten all the good advice you might need, just wanted to say "hi" and also encourage your notion of self-servicing. Everyone started with no experience, and each successful job done will build your skills. I've gotten to where I can do most maintenance stuff...and I started with an oil change and valve adjustment on my '58 VW in the late 60's. Still have that first set of Stahlville open ends I bought. Good luck!

 

Oh yea!! I still got a three piece set of side draft SU carb balancing needles.

 

Another great option is to contact a local MINI club (if available) and see if they have an upcoming tech day or even better a member who can assist you in the repair.

 

That was going to be my suggestion Scott. I'm retired and have a garage and tools, and do like helping out with some self help DYIs even if I can't do alot of the work anymore I still can teach and show.

 

These guys have said it all, and probably said it better than I could, but I'll amplify some good advice.

PLEASE get a decent floor jack and a set of jack stands. I love my MINI, but I love not being squished even more.

I have a friend who was a dirt track racer. He was a millwright, and later bought his own fab shop/crane and rigging/millwright service. He is well aware of safety working around suspended loads, but his race car fell on him in a moment of carelessness. Have a "work buddy" with you as much as possible who can get a car off of you. At a bare minimum, let a friend or neighbor know what you're up to and have them check on you from time to time.

If you were close to me, I'd invite you to my shop. I'd do one side and watch you do the other.

The two hardest parts of a brake job for a novice are:
1. Getting the wheel off the car
2. Accepting the fact that yes indeed, you CAN do it!

BTW, the allen socket you'll need is a 7mm if you don't want to buy a set of them.

Good luck,

Rawhyde

 

... and if you tell us where you're located... we might be able to point you toward a shop, a club, or a friendly mini owner who works for beer. :biggrin5:

 

You really want to hope you are close to Paul and his buddy Blimey. If you have any doubts just check out his blog.

 

I am now NOT RECOMMENDING EBC Reds to anyone since my last two sets of EBC Reds have failed because the pad has separated from the backing plate. :mad5:

I would highly advise everyone with any EBC brakes to check there brakes ASAP by taking off your wheels and compressing the pads and make sure the pads is still attached to the backing plate. I would advise you remove the pad and inspect them and make sure the pad is still attached securely.

EBC did warranty replace the last set with a new set and they are we're on the car and last week both front pads (each outside) pad separated from the backing plate at the Dragon. :incazzato: :frown2::eek6:

FYI My buddy was replacing front brakes with Brakeman street pads today and while removing his front pads he found this when he took of his EBC's. :mad2:
(See below)

This is what my 3 pads looked like but they were Reds. I also know of another person that had a set of EBC greens fail and destroy his rotors and EBC did replace everything Pads and Rotors but brakes are not something you ever want to fail EVER!

I am now going to back to Carbotech pads because they stop well and dust a little more but never failed or come apart like the EBC's.

 

That's scary, Dave. You should think about starting a new thread about this and drawing more attention to it.

 

Will do.....