Kudos to Octaneguy for his brake pad change How-To, but I am going one step further. I am planning on changing the rotors (discs) on my 02 Cooper S and I wondered if I can take the rotor off without removing the caliper mount from the hub once the half of the caliper with the piston is removed. Also, is a 16mm wrench the only tool required to remove the caliper mount and what is it's torque setting on re-installation?
Thanks in anticipation guys!
Minisql

 

You have to take the caliper and bracket off to change the rotor. You will need a 7mm hex socket....a 16mm (I thought it was 13mm)...a pair of pliers and a Torx socket (T-50 if memory suits)....

 

Thanks UKSUV! I was prepared to take it off but didn't know if I had to. I will also get an impact wrench to help remove the torks. Great fun indeed!

 

While you have it all apart, be sure and take some time with a wire bush and clean up all the parts too.

 

dont for get to regrease the caliper slider thingys

 

DONE! Thanks everyone for your advice. The caliper bracket mounting bolts are 16mm on the front and 13mm on the back. A socket extension is required at the back to reach the bolts. Last, a c-clamp works great for compressing the pistons on the back calipers. Next time I'm going for bigger brakes!

 

All good, except you don't have to remove the rear bracket to get the rear rotor of. You can just pull it off by angling it and working around the bracket. The front, everything has to come off.

 

Yep, I was about to add that. Not having to remove the bracket in the rear saves alot as those bolts are a bit buried. Plenty of room to get the rotor off. And give those TORX a good soaking with PB or something like and you'll be less likely to strip 'em

too late - he's done

 

Ummm....just make sure you tighten the back bolts...lol. For some odd reason I have lost 2....THATS RIGHT...2 upper caliper mount bolts on my rear. It caused the pad to ride high and it caught my brake on fire....good times...

 

Don't also ways need bigger, just better, https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...uct/270/cat/79

 

But some of us are size ******....