I was talking to the previous owner of my Mini about any problems the car has and he said there's something wrong with the brakes. He said it feels like they're sticking. What do y'all think the problem might be and how might I fix it. I don't have to car yet to see what the brakes are doing myself I'm just trying to get prepared to fix it... I don't want to get her and have her sit around forever because I have to wait for parts...

 

just replace the pads and rotors. if that doesn't fix it hit the dealership. Of course if you're still under warranty switch those thoughts.

 

I am not sure about this, but that would have to be a pretty extendable warranty to cover a classic Mini?
Do you have drums or disks in front, MiniXb?

 

"Sticking" brakes need to be defined. What does it do? When does it do it? How does it behave?

If drums, it could have the shoes adjusted to tight.
If disc, it could need the front calipers rebuilt.

I just replaced the master cylinder on a car with a similar problem. The prior owner put the wrong one on (different manufacturer entirely).

 

I'm asumming the brakes are all drum brakes. I'm not sure. She's a '77.

 

Lift it up and look behing the front wheel. On a disk brake setup, you can see the disk and the caliper. On a drum setup, all you see is a big hunk of curved metal, not unlike the side of a drum. Disk fronts have been found on cars as old as the late 60s, and there were always people converting to front disks. The only way to tell for sure is to look.

 

Get the car up in the air and turn the wheels by hand. You'll find which one is sticking. Chances are you need to rebuild or replace the slave cylinders. If you have a model with front discs, the same goes for the calipers.

 

I will keep all this in mind when she gets here and my dad and I start working on her...

 

Ok I got the car and we noticed what the problem was immediately. Hit brakes, turn right. They pull to the right really bad when you press the brakes. Any solution?

 

Likely the left front brake isn't working & the right one is....first adjust the brakes and check for leaks esp on the left.

If leaking, rebuild both front calipers (or replace) if disc/replace wheel cylinders if drum, new linings, turn rotors/drums....oh & pack the wheel bearings while your in there....

 

Look for…

brakes cylinders

BRAKE MASTER

Chang it if you fine any problem on it

 

What type of brake fluid does Mini's take? The book says DOT 4 but my dad said he's never heard of it.

 

DOT 4 is sold everywhere.

 

Anyone know how much brake fluid a classic takes?

 

I'd guess a quart would be plenty to change your system out.

In the old days. My last LBC was a 69 MG Midget, there were compatibility issues with different types of brake fluid in English cars. If you ran regular brake fluid that worked in dad's Pontiac in your Bugeye the seals would turn to mush. I was told to only run Castrol or Girling brake fluid to avoid those problems. I don't know if that is the case today. Maybe someone will chime in with the definitive answer.

 

Send a PM to WayMotorWorks - I know he can work on classic brake systems and can likely set you straight as to what parts and fluid you need.

 

How do you know what kind of brake system you have. I've heard there's two different kinds...

 

Do you have a Haynes book? It should be ilustrated in there. If you don't, you really should have one.

 

There's more than that...

What year is your car?

Later models have 8.4" disc brakes up front (84 on, requires 12" or 13" rims)

Early Minis had (all fit under 10" rims)

• single leading shoe drum brakes (early 60's)
• twin leading shoe (70's)
• 7" disc brakes (Cooper) early 60's
• 7.5" disc brakes 63-on

They all had drums in the back with two different drum options (Cooper S had built in 1" spacers)

I recommend Castrol LMA brake Fluid. Last place I saw it available was Pep Boys.

 

NAPA has Dot 4 and even Dot 5 brake fluid. Haynes manual is a great addition to your library.

 

She's a 1977 with drum brakes all the way around.

 

You have twin leading shoe drum brakes in the front. These work ok but not to the std of disc brakes. They are subject to fade when hot. They need to be in top mechanical shape and need adjusted frequently to stay at their peak. I have them on mine.

All take the same brake fluid. Offhand I think DOT 4 is it.