Need brake job

Charva · Motorist

Need brake job

pnf444 · Member

You're probably done with this by now but, with all the technology, I take it to the dealer. Anti-lock and traction control were not taught when I was in shop class. I'd hate to try and save a few hundred and blast out part that costs hundreds to replace 'cause I'm cheap.

PNF444

Pamlico · Motorer

Well, probably too late but since the thread was resurrected...

The pistons on the MINI need to be screwed back into the caliper to allow clearance for new pads. This can be done with screwdrivers, but that can be awkward. When I had the MINIs I bought the specialized tool set from Harbor Freight to do this task (click here). I never needed to do a brake job so the tool has never been used. It's normally $45 at Harbor Frieght and is on sale for $39.99 but if anyone wants this I'll sell it for $25. Please send me a PM if interested. Thx.

docjll · Member

Hi Charva:

Hope you got the job done OK. I don't know where you are located, but I had heard some good things about a shop here in Victor (outside of Rochester). My MCS is there right now getting rear pads and rotors - with an estimate of $350. If you (or anyone else) is interested, I'll let you know how it turns out.

Also, I've got a little over 34K on it now and this is the first "out of warrany" work I've had done. Does anyone know if that's a typical mileage for needing new brakes on the rear? I had the front pads and rotors done at 28K.

Jim

Charva · Motorist

Front brakes were last year. Rear brakes were done by myself yesterday!

I have a friend with a garage and tools.

After I figured out how to get the caliper off, the rest was pretty easy...except trying to fish out where the sensor plugs into the wiring on the car.

Why do they hide it hide that?

Hope the club is doing well...miss you all,

Dave

Whistler · Member

Wish I had read this sooner. Just had my rear pads and rotors done at Craig's Autometrics. They did a great job, but all told it ran me over $550

SPDinNY · Motorer

I did the rear brakes and rotors on mine in an hour and a half the first time. Was alot easier when I realized I didn't have to remove the caliper brackets to get the rotors off then on.

JCWpower · Newbie (Taking the short-cut)

Hi docjll,

I have a 2009 MCS with 56k miles and just today they told me that I need a change of front and rear rotors and break-pads.
I would be very interested in the solution you mentioned. I am located in Buffalo but I can sure spend a weekend and come towards Rochester.

cereal · Motorist

The hardest part of my brake job was removing the bolt holding the disc to the hub. Would definitely recommend an impact wrench to help remove them. I borrowed a manual one and that made it much easier!

Overall the job was easy without a lift and only a few tools. I'd probably do it again.

Morgan

docjll · Member

The place I use is "CDI", on Rt. 251 in Victor. Excellent work at reasonable prices (and apparently, much cheaper than Craig's). Best of luck.

SPDinNY · Motorer

this was a cake job on my R53