MINI COOPER :: North American Motoring - Brake Dust

string · #1 05-11-2005, 03:11 PM

This might be a mod thread, but seeing that I shouldn't have to spend the better part of my life now cleaning wheels, I thought I'd post this here.

Here are a few before and after shots of some fun additions that should have some major detailing ramifications down the road!

Caliper paint, new pads, bled lines, and waxed wheels inside and out.
I used a brush-on paint kit in case you are wondering. I think it worked really well without the mess of spray.

(Yup, this is guru BradB in his garage, um, I mean, Sanctuary!)

apexer · #2 05-11-2005, 08:02 PM

Nice work. Wonder if you or Brad could post some info. on the lift. Who makes it, Cost, etc.

CustomAV · #3 05-11-2005, 08:11 PM

Yes please!

I want to know about the lift very much! Thanks for the brake info by the way, not trying to hijack the thread asking about his lift....

BradB · #4 05-11-2005, 08:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by apexer

Nice work. Wonder if you or Brad could post some info. on the lift. Who makes it, Cost, etc.

I have this lift HERE. It's hydraulically operated via a remote electric motor that is under the workbench.

Makes it easy to keep those Mini wheels and brakes clean! Nice job, String!

agranger · #5 05-12-2005, 09:25 PM

Hey Brad...

I think I see some grease on your floor. You better get into that drawer labled "Microfibers for Grease on floor" and find the 606...

Great job on the calipers! Very hot!

BradB · #6 05-13-2005, 06:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by agranger

Hey Brad...

I think I see some grease on your floor. You better get into that drawer labled "Microfibers for Grease on floor" and find the 606...

Great job on the calipers! Very hot!

As String will tell you, I apologized when he arrived for the awful mess. I still haven't gotten into the Spring cleaning mode after the winter doldrums when the cars drag in all the filth.

YellowBellyMini · #7 05-13-2005, 08:21 AM

Calipers look awesome adam.

YellowBellyMini · #8 05-13-2005, 08:25 AM

Wow! I never realized how inexpensive those massive lifts are! I always figured they'd be way out of my price range...as soon as I have a garage...i'm getting one of those!

**Rally@StanceDesign** · #9 05-13-2005, 08:29 AM

How are the pads stopping-wise? I heard from a few people that their EBCs werent so great for braking power.

Paint looks good

YellowBellyMini · #10 05-13-2005, 08:33 AM

I think they feel exactly the same...and I am not easy on them...if that is any help. Next time, I am gonna try the Hawk pads, because they actually are supposed to perform better, but dust slightly more.

apexer · #11 05-13-2005, 08:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RallyMINI

How are the pads stopping-wise? I heard from a few people that their EBCs werent so great for braking power.

Paint looks good

I've had EBC Greens for about 10K miles. Couple of Autox's and I drive agressive often (when traffic allows

). They stop a tad better than oem pads.
(which aren't all that bad under normal conditions) with MUCH LESS dust

.
Checked them this past weekend and have probably 2/3s left F&R.

paul_ · #12 05-13-2005, 09:01 AM

Lift=ideas...aybe I can do the same thing and paint the calipers yellow! It'll be like PCCB but cheaper!

thanks for the info on the lift, this thread is on the bookmark list.

string · #13 05-13-2005, 09:30 AM

Yeah, Brad, geez, the place was a MESS!!

His "dirty" is most people's "clean."

Yes, the lift is on the radar. Very nice and makes things SO much easier. Gotta get one. Oh, I guess I have to build a garage first... next spring, baby! I'll post pictures of that project for sure seeing that I'm doing it myself.

The pads. I'd say stopping is a tad bit better than the stock. Bite is good and they feel firmer -- maybe that's the new fluid.

Don't really know about fade quite yet - I haven't really gotten on them too much as they are still so new, but that's my initial reaction. I basically did it because I needed new pads (original pads + 42,000 miles) and I wanted something that didn't dust as much. So, I'm pretty happy. Even though, they are pushing quite a bit of dust and gunk out now because they're breaking in and they had a strange "break-in" goo on them. Note: that stuff STINKS when it's burning off!

Near future = new rotors!

tygirwulf · #14 05-21-2005, 07:04 AM

Nice! How much less dust do you get on your wheels? I know the dust from the OEM pads drives me crazy. I know after 4k miles mine aren't exactly worn out but I'm tired of the anthracite look on the front wheels.

Herby74 · #15 05-21-2005, 09:22 AM

There is certainly less dust with EBC green pads, but the wheels are still far from maintainance free. In between washings I use a California duster on the outside part of my V-spokes which helps to keep the wheels looking decently fresh.

TwOMINIs · #16 05-21-2005, 02:10 PM

LOOKS LIKE CHRISTMAS BRAKES>>> red/green...LOOKS HOT

string · #17 05-23-2005, 01:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Herby74

There is certainly less dust with EBC green pads, but the wheels are still far from maintainance free. In between washings I use a California duster on the outside part of my V-spokes which helps to keep the wheels looking decently fresh.

Ditto. If you think you'll never have to clean your wheels again, forget it. However, you shouldn't have to clean them just by driving down your driveway once -- which is what the stock pads felt like!