So I have a stuck caliper that's worn down my passenger rotor and pad more than the drivers side. I swapped the pads and rotors out last spring so they are fairly new. (Akebonos and Zimmerman rotors) my question is, can I replace the calipers and just one rotor and pad set? Or, should I replace everything to keep it even? I'm thinking if I have to replace everything again I'll upgrade to the r56 setup. Hit me with your opinions please.

 

Pads & rotors really should be replaced in axle sets. 2 front 2 rear. Otherwise you are quite likely to have uneven braking. You won't like that much.

 

That's what I figured, maybe it's time for the r56 conversion

 

If you do the R56 version, good time to either have them powder coated like yellow/blue or red or by the G2 caliper painting method before install....and set of braided brake lines maybe.

 

G2?

 

http://www.g2usa.com/

 

Always change the rotors in pairs..aka both sides....same for pads..
G2 is hi temp paint...OK for nontracked cars.

 

Still not sure if I wanna commit to 17" wheels since I have a nice set of x-lites. Guess I'll have to think it over. Thanks guys.

 

Looks like the x-lites clear the r56 brakes, if anyone has a good set for sale let me know.

 

I saw a set of X-lites in the marketplace a week or so ago. They were plasti-dipped, but that is easily removed.

 

I meant a set of the r56 calipers sorry for the confusion.

 

Always, always, always replace in pairs because by doing so you avoid the near death experience during a full on slam of a panic stop. By doing your own work you can upgrade to cross drilled, slotted rotors AND pads on all corners for around a nickel. The G2 paint system really works and has an excellent guarantee. I did this on my old R53 and ,not only looking killer, provided excellent results.


ISAMIN

 

I would replace just the one bad caliper but do the rotors and pads on both sides
to keep things even as long as the other caliper is working fine.

 

well if hate for the other caliper to seize up and end up having this issue again.

 

Depending on miles. Do both calipers. Your already have to bleed brakes and you already have rotors off on both sides as you MUST do both side pads and rotors.

How much more is a caliper gonna add to the bill. And not worth running the risk of damaging the new rotors and pads again.

Just my .02 on cheap insurance. Penny wise dollar foolish.

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Front calipers are about $300 each, rear calipers are about $240 each.

 

rocks auto had refurbed r56 calipers for about 125 a piece. So shouldn't be too bad.

 

Looks like MiniMania has a big sale on aftermarket calipers at the present, too.
Looks like only the Gen 1 ones are on sale - $105 rears ($45 core), $70 fronts ($63 core) each.

 

So I'm looking to get r53 JCW calipers, can I use standard size rotors with these? I'm looking at a guide on a mini forum that seems to suggest that but I want to be sure.

 

What do you mean by standard? If you change to the r56..aka r53 JCW caliper you 100% need the rotors that go with it...your old r53 stock s rotors are too small...
If you mean "basic" r56 s/ r53 jcw replacement rotor, yes...I like high carbon, painted top rotors (bought "centric" brand last, many folks favorite....about an extra $1 over the standard..lol..if you look around, free shipping...(rock, amazon, etc).
And check....you need the caliper brackets....that is not included in all kits....along with hoses and pads...
And if you post on ma, lots of folks there too have done this mod...

 

Well I just snagged a clean set of front r56 front calipers with brackets off ebay for $90. Guess I'll have to get some rotors, pads, and lines now.

 

I'm trying to figure out if I need a r53 pad sensor or a r56 pad sensor? Also does the r56 caliper have upgraded guide pin bushings?

 

Gen1 sensor if you want to run them...electrically it is STILL a gen1....so same sensor as the gen1 JCW, so same as any gen1 car...
Design not sure about the guidepins, but the caliper is a different design from the stock s...very different....so not so sure it makes sense...
I would suggest you jureyrig up a benchbleed setup to flush the calipers before install....

 

I see, I should flush the used set of calipers before install?

 

I see, I should flush the used set of calipers before install?