Brakes Wheels 1st Gen Tires R53 Front Brakes: A Detailed Look

Discussion in '1st Generation: 2002–06 R50, R53 & 2004–08 R52' started by c0op3r, Nov 10, 2013.

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  1. Firebro17

    Firebro17 Dazed, but not Confused
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    #21 Firebro17, Mar 3, 2017
    Just don't drink the OP's Kool-Aid.
     
  2. Dave.0

    Dave.0 Helix & RMW Powered
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    #22 Dave.0, Mar 3, 2017
    Oh, I know. :ihih::ihih::lol::lol:
     
  3. MCS02

    MCS02 Moderator
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    #23 MCS02, Mar 3, 2017
    c0op3r Thanks for taking the time to do the article. But here is the question I have. I have an 02 R53 with slotted rotors, SS brake lines, Hawk HPS pads, and Super blue fluid. I do autocross some and do the Dragon. Autocross really is not that demanding on brakes. But even running the dragon, donut run, and the other roads over there, pushing hard I do not get brake fade and seem to have more than enough stopping power. Now if I were a track day junky I might need more braking but if that was the case then I would do a BBK upgrade. So unless I needed new clappers for my R53 I really don't see the need to do ether option 3 or 4. Am I looking at this wrong?
     
  4. Dave.0

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    #24 Dave.0, Mar 3, 2017
    Lee he posted this 4 years ago. 11-10-2013
     
  5. MCS02

    MCS02 Moderator
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    #25 MCS02, Mar 3, 2017
    WHAT!!!!!! 4 years!!! Man am I getting old, time is flying by!!!!!!:frown2::D

    But still there is another thread on here about the same upgrade. I just don't see the need unless you need to replace broken parts.
     
  6. Dave.0

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    #26 Dave.0, Mar 3, 2017
    Yeah well all of us Old heads with 1st Gen MINI's know better and don't need the internet for help. :rolleyes::ihih::idea::lol:
     
  7. clifforddward

    clifforddward Active Member

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    #27 clifforddward, Mar 3, 2017
    R53 brakes have proven satisfactory for most street driven cars.... and probably those doing the occasional autocross. Life at the track is a different beast and there I imagine every square inch of surface area and attempt to channel air for cooling is most welcome.

    To me the reason for a change to R56 brakes on an R53 Mini is to avoid the issues related to the exposed caliper guide bushings....the R53 brakes are an exposed soft material vs the R56 having this area enclosed and a harder material. With the R56 calipers the pedal feel is more predicable and positive.

    There was a trend a few year back to replace the R53 guides with bronze versions, but what folks discovered is that this required a regular maintenance schedule to re-lube the guide bushings...This proved problematic for those not touching their brakes several times per year...with the R56 calipers this is solved as the area is enclosed.
     
  8. Firebro17

    Firebro17 Dazed, but not Confused
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    #28 Firebro17, Mar 3, 2017
    Indeed Dave... and please, everyone, Don't give that derelict a reason to resurface here
     
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