The brakes on my new 2008 mini s are a major problem. They are so
sensitive it is very difficult to bring the vehicle to a smooth stop. The
only way to do this is to let up on the brake as I get closer to stopping.
I've tried to get used to it for 3 months now but to no avail. The dealer
says they are up to spec's. What I'd like to find out is there someone out
there that can adjust the sensitivity of these brakes so I can stop like a
normal car?

Please help, Roger W. Reddig
rogerreddig@yahoo.com

 

hmm.. harsh sudden stops quickly wear down the break pads.. and it won't be as sensitive, maybe that'll work?

 

I'll also email this to Roger;

Hello Roger,

You need pads with Brake Modulation. More details at www.buycarbotechpads.com plus the Bobcats will give you more stopping power with less dust and with the jerks.
What is brake modulation?

Modulation is the process of a driver accurately controlling the amount of brake power required without locking the wheel. Brake modulation is having the ability to consistently increase and decrease the amount of bite from your brake pads at will. The driver has complete control of his/her brake pedal at all times. By controlling the amount of force being applied by the calipers, the driver can use the brakes their advantage in the braking zone and into the first part of the corner. It’s as if the brake pedal is giving feedback to the driver which can be beneficial to a drivers lap times, and therefore help you keep your race car under control and on the track.
As many top level and pro drivers will tell you, being able to modulate and trail brake into the first part of the corner is essential to producing the fastest possible lap times. Yes, we were all taught to brake, down shift, and then turn into the corner. That is the best way to start off, and that’s probably the safest way to start your racing career. But the fact is that there are truly only a handful of corners where you do all the braking before turning in. To run with the best you need to learn how to keep modulating your brake pedal as your entering the first part of a corner. Modulation is what Carbotech built its solid reputation on. Modulation is a cornerstone for Carbotech Performance Brakes.

While the above is talking about track/race issues, the skills and benefit of brake modulation transfer to the street and improve safety and reduce brake wear.

 

Isn't that basically what ABS does? Controliing the pressure by automatically adjusting the brake pressure applied so you don't go into a skid condition? (IOW, using the same words from what I quoted, "locking the wheel")

 

Good Morning Bruce,

The ABS is not designed to modulate the brakes under normal daily driving. The ABS is there for panic stops and is a safety issue not a performance issue. If someone is getting into the ABS at many stops they are braking far too late and risk an accident. ABS will not stop the car faster, just better under panic.

 

I'm having exactly the same problem with my brakes. The problem seems worse at slower speeds, around 25 mph. The brakes seem to grab and make the car almost lurch.

I start to apply the brakes and get no feedback so i push slightly harder and the brakes grab.

I have an appointment with service on Tuesday but i would like to hear if any others are having the same issue.

My car was built in mid Sept and i'm not part of the brake recall (rotors wrong size).

Thanks in advance,
Steve

 

Steve, did the dealer find anything odd with your brakes? I've noticed the same touchy condition at slower speeds, like coming to a stop at a red light. You have to be very aware of peddle pressure to make a smooth stop. I let a friend test drive my car yesterday and told her ahead of time the brakes were on the touchy side. It was embarrassing, every stop my head snapped forward. She was aware of the brakes and doing her best. It's almost like the emergency brake is applied just a click or two before you start braking but it's not. I'm pretty sure when I first got the car in May the brakes weren't this sensitive. I have almost 11,000 miles on the car/brakes. Just curious as to if they found anything odd or if anyone else has noticed this condition. I have a 2008 MCS. Thanks in advance.

Bill

 

Hey Bill,

Nope - they said the brakes were normal.

My car has 2200 miles on it and i thought the brakes were getting better but now they seem to be regressing slightly - not as bad as originally.

Now it is almost always at slow speeds exactly as you describe above.

I've been emailing with Roger, who started this thread and, after many contacts with MINI he had a MINI representative come drive his car - again, no trouble found.

I'm resigned to the fact that it's a ttwii (that's the way it is).

Steve

 

Brakes are not a "on/off button", you gotta apply smooth and gentle pressure on brake pedal to get it to modulate smoothly to a stop. After some practice you'll get it.

 

sorry, howsoon - i know how to brake a car - something is not right with these brakes

 

LOL!

I've been driving for 35 years now, cars, trucks, motorcycles, big and small, I have 11,000 miles on my MCS. Ya think maybe I might know how a brake pedal works by now? But I'll try and practice a little more after work today and then maybe some more this weekend. MY brakes on MY MCS seem to be a little on the touchy side, but thanks for your input.

Bill