Pretty disappointed with the OEM brake pads. I guess they're working overtime with a heavy countryman, but these photos are fairly alarming.

I started to get a squeal and grinding noise from the front left wheel when braking. OK, must be something stuck or going on with the brakes/wheel well area. To my surprise, left brake pads were starting to wear on the front brake sensor which was likely the culprit of the squeal/grinding. Went ahead and got new pads and sensor. Changed out the front left with no issue. Now getting to the right side is where I ran into something crazy. The inner front right brake pads were down to the metal. Probably would've kept driving more on these pads had the left side pads not squealed. Not sure how long I've been running without brake pad on the front right wheel. Last inspection I had at MINI was at 23k miles.



Front left brake pads

Front right brake pads, no pad on one corner of the inner pad

 

Must have had a piston sticking on that side? I've heard of many people not getting 20K out of these soft OEM pads. I changed mine out at 13K because of all the dust, plus, they were squealers. Went to a different Rotor as well as ceramic pads...very happy with the change. It only cost me 261.00 in parts, I did the labor myself.

 

If it was the inside pad that wore down, the pad on the caliper piston side, I would suspect the caliper slider pins being stuck. That would prevent the caliper from sliding and pulling the outer pad into contact with the rotor. Check the slider pins for lubrication, and load them up with some Sylglide.

 

Definitely guide pins bound up. Not sure how the F60 brakes are designed, but on my son's R50 he had problems with corrosion between the rubber boot that the pin slides in and the caliper. Some sort of white corrosion would build up and pinch the rubber and pin so it wouldn't slide. We're in the rust belt. Whenever I replace pads and rotors on any car I always clean and regrease the slider pins and make sure the the caliper slides freely.

 

would you be able to share which rotor and pads you went with?

 

Sure, I bought R1 Concepts E-line Slotted Rotors with their Ceramic pads to fit JCW Countryman 2019. If I had to do it again, I think I'd step up to the Geomet line instead of the E-line. The E-line are fine, but, rust easily after a rain or wash and the Geomet reportedly have a little different composition that should be more resistant to rust. That said, the Geomet were not in stock when I ordered. It was only 261.00 on sale for Four Slotted rotors AND ceramic pads. They stop with noticeably less pedal pressure than the OEM's, and don't squeal...except in the mornings when backing up after a high humidity night. For 261.00, I'm not going to complain too much!

I don't track this car, so, for those of you that do, I'm not trying to claim these are the best Rotors/pads available for track use. For my use, they seem great. Low dust, the slots help keep the pads cleaner. I'm very happy with them.

 

A sensor? I guess I'm ignorant, but is there a warning light or something that goes on when the pads need changing? Or are we just talking the scraping noise?

 

Once that sensor in the picture gets worn down sufficiently, there is a tiny wire in there that breaks. That sends a message that the pads are wearing. There is one on the left-front and one on the right rear.

 

@Mini-Titan I was unaware of that....interesting...thank you