Brakes Wheels 1st Gen Tires R53 Random soft brake pedal

Discussion in '1st Generation: 2002–06 R50, R53 & 2004–08 R52' started by jeffster06, Mar 9, 2017.

  1. Crashton

    Crashton Club Coordinator

    Jun 4, 2009
    19,424
    10,031
    113
    Retired old fart
    Hooterville Ohio USA
    Ratings:
    +11,656 / 2 / -0
    You have this figured it out. I'll bet you a stale donut that what is happening is the bad wobbly wheel bearing is letting the now wobbling rotor kick the brake pad which pushes the piston back in the caliper. You hit the brakes & the peddle is now longer than it should be. New wheel bearing is your fix.

    You may need a new caliper in the rear. If you do do not buy a rebuilt, thay are all junk. Buy a new one from Steven at eMINIparts.com.

    Let me us know how this turns out & where to send a stale donut if I'm wrong. :donut1:
     
  2. jeffster06

    jeffster06 Active Member

    Apr 23, 2010
    420
    111
    43
    Dallas, GA
    Ratings:
    +111 / 0 / -0
    I was struggling to make sense on how the wheel bearing played it's role but what you said makes complate sense. Let's just put it this way the bearing was so bad I'm surprised the rotor didn't contact the carrier for the wilwoods. I'm weary about the right rear caliper but I will definitely check the link you provided as I was checking rebuilts. Curious as to what makes them junk though?
     
  3. Crashton

    Crashton Club Coordinator

    Jun 4, 2009
    19,424
    10,031
    113
    Retired old fart
    Hooterville Ohio USA
    Ratings:
    +11,656 / 2 / -0
    There used to be good rebuilds out there, but over the years the quality of all rebuilds has fallen off. I put 2 rebuilt calipers on the back of my MCS. They lasted a while & went bad. They were replaced under warranty & those went bad too. IIRC they lasted about a year or so each. I bought new calipers & they were doing well when I sold my MINI & are to this day. I value my time & doing the job 3 times was a real pain.
     
  4. jeffster06

    jeffster06 Active Member

    Apr 23, 2010
    420
    111
    43
    Dallas, GA
    Ratings:
    +111 / 0 / -0
    I can understand that, Im not a fan of doing the same job over and over. Guess my last question is if I end up replacing the right rear should I do the left as well or just wait for it to have and issue? I'm not 100% the right is in trouble but it definitely felt different turning it in.
     
  5. Crashton

    Crashton Club Coordinator

    Jun 4, 2009
    19,424
    10,031
    113
    Retired old fart
    Hooterville Ohio USA
    Ratings:
    +11,656 / 2 / -0
    I'd probably wait. Check it over & make sure everything is working correctly. I had problems with the parking brake part on both my oem calipers. That was also the failure on the rebuilds I had.
     
  6. DneprDave

    DneprDave Well-Known Member
    Supporting Member

    Oct 23, 2010
    2,952
    1,500
    113
    Engineer
    Pacific NW
    Ratings:
    +1,721 / 0 / -0
    I would change out all four calipers. If one of the oem caliper wore out, the others can't be far behind.
     
  7. MCS02

    MCS02 Moderator
    Staff Member Articles Moderator Supporting Member

    Jul 31, 2009
    11,164
    6,170
    113
    Male
    Ratings:
    +7,876 / 10 / -3
    Good advice! I would fix the bearing First and see what you have after that.
     
  8. jeffster06

    jeffster06 Active Member

    Apr 23, 2010
    420
    111
    43
    Dallas, GA
    Ratings:
    +111 / 0 / -0
    Can't tell if this is sarcasm, but the fronts aren't even oem anymore lol.

    I already replaced the wheel bearing. Just need to drive it a bit to see if the issue is gone.
     
  9. Crashton

    Crashton Club Coordinator

    Jun 4, 2009
    19,424
    10,031
    113
    Retired old fart
    Hooterville Ohio USA
    Ratings:
    +11,656 / 2 / -0
    Good luck Jeffster, hope that is the fix. :fingerscrossed:
     
  10. DneprDave

    DneprDave Well-Known Member
    Supporting Member

    Oct 23, 2010
    2,952
    1,500
    113
    Engineer
    Pacific NW
    Ratings:
    +1,721 / 0 / -0
    No, I meant it, I would have put an emoticon afterwards if I were trying to be funny. If the fronts are already new, I would definitely change both rears. I would never change just one caliper.
     
  11. jeffster06

    jeffster06 Active Member

    Apr 23, 2010
    420
    111
    43
    Dallas, GA
    Ratings:
    +111 / 0 / -0
    Good to know, I agree I wouldn't change just one on the same axle. Not sure if they were all OEM I would do all 4 but definitely both rears if I change one.

    I have drove a little bit since replacing the wheel bearing and messing with the rear calipers. Brake pedal feels good, I figure after a couple more drives I will know for sure if what I did fixed the issue.
     
  12. Crashton

    Crashton Club Coordinator

    Jun 4, 2009
    19,424
    10,031
    113
    Retired old fart
    Hooterville Ohio USA
    Ratings:
    +11,656 / 2 / -0
    I'm pretty sure you have it nailed. Now about that donut? :donut1:
     
  13. jeffster06

    jeffster06 Active Member

    Apr 23, 2010
    420
    111
    43
    Dallas, GA
    Ratings:
    +111 / 0 / -0
    I believe you are correct, after going for a few drives the brakes have not had the issue, the pedal feels better than before actually. No donut for me, not allowed carbs on my diet :(
     
  14. Dave.0

    Dave.0 Helix & RMW Powered
    Lifetime Supporter

    May 4, 2009
    25,021
    13,497
    113
    Burbs of Philly, PA
    Ratings:
    +14,644 / 10 / -4

    No Donuts! WTF :incazzato:

    That's not a diet, that's a punishment. :lol::lol::lol::lol:


    Here lick your screen....

    [​IMG]
     

Share This Page