Kind of a last minute thing (emergency) but we had an HMMC/TrackedMINIs (as Keikilee calls it) DIY at my place today. Cwlouis needed his brakes done because he heard a constant grinding noise when he applied his brakes. Our objective was to give Louis a "hands-on" DIY while changing his brake pads, rotors, and flushing his brake fluid with SuperBlue race fluid.

When I saw his pads I was like ! Pads were gone in then back! Rotors were jacked! Fronts weren't much better either. Luckily he got a killer deal on blown-lone-star's stock rotors and pads, and had a new set of Green Stuff front pads to make this a full-on brake job.

Here are some photos of Louis' DIY adventure.

Photo 1 : Comparing "new" rear pads to ones we removed.

Photo 2 : Close up.

Photo 3 : Early stages of DIY.

P.S. : Blown-lone-star - sorry for the last minute invite but Louis needed to change dates. Lucky we did it though as he was grinding away with no back brakes!

 

Photo 4 : Getting the CRC goop on to minimize brake noise.

Photo 5 : Hands-on!

Photo 6 : This is the buggah' that caused the grinding noise!

 

Photo 7 : Ugh! Rotor scored by worn brake pads.

Photo 8 : Compressing before installing new pads.

Photo 9 : Pau after test drive.

 

Photo 10 : Check out Louis' new Green Stuff under his wheels.

Photo 11 : Completed his first DIY and heading home in a "grindless" car.



I don't mind doing these once in a while so list-up if you have a DIY you want to tackle. - DaKineMINI

 

thanks to dirk for letting me use his space, time, and elbow grease to switch out my worn pads. and also a big mahalo to Blown-lone-star for his great deal on the rotors and rear pads (that i didn't think would wear out this fast).

as a fyi, my MCS is a 02 w/ only 20k miles...so in four years...guess it's not that bad? but i'm the guy who grinded it to the metal too..

since the 02 does not have a warning sensor...who ever owns one, be careful not to do what i did...:impatient

great times!

 

Yeah it was fun! Hope you learned something - just remember, turn counter-clockwise to loosen. I told you I'd bring it up again.

 

A DIY and you didn't call me, Dirk? That's okay. I was working on Elmo today and installed HIDs in the Barney car.

Aren't brakes and rotors covered under the MINI 3 year maintenance agreement? I know they are covered under the BMW agreement.

 

i just missed it.. i think 06 will be my final year for parts warranty (that's what jen said). but i don't think bmw will install the green stuff pad and super blue fuild..

 

dohhh. but it was fun... clockwise...counter clock...

 

GO TrackedMINIs!!!!!!!

For those of you who don't know about TrackedMINIs...I'm hoping to make it a branch of HMMC for the tuners, tuners-at-heart and for those who either have a show quality MINI or are trying to make theirs one. This group will be doing lots of DIYs and track events and we hope to break into a few GOOD shows this upcoming year.

For more information, email us at trackedMINIs@hawaiiMINIclub.org

 

btw..thanks to DakineMINI for starting this group off right!

 

Sorry Beast totally forgot you were the Brake Meister. Maybe if we do a big DIY and need to do a lot of cars we'll need your help. Bgrpph has agreed to help too.

I thought Barney already had HIDs? So who's the lucky person getting the nice silver E30 M3 (that car really looks nice)?

 

--MMmm stock to race brake fluid change. I KNOW BLS is thinkin about it.

--pyratio

 

In fact, BLS was going to come over but we moved the date up so his schedule couldn't accomodate (plus he didn't have the Super Blue yet). If you guys are interested maybe we can do another DIY - fluid swapping is easy and fast; in fact, if bgrpph brings his Power Bleeder over we can knock off two at once. If both of you are on the east side, and Barry doesn't mind, we can even do it at his place.

 

--Yeah that would be cool. Is there any place on the island we can pick up super blue at? When were y'all thinking of doin this DIY? Hopefully before January 20th.. I'm open most weekends. Well except this one of course. Gotta put my Santa suit on and ride my sled around dropping off presents.

--pyratio

 

Hawaii Import Parts is a place that sells Super Blue. Get two cans. Next week is bad too (New Year's weekend).

 

hey folks must have been secret FISA communication about this DIY as i wasn't aware. I also trashed my rotors last year with worn Ferodo 2500 pads- drove from HRP to HI Kai metal on metal-. Lesson to all- check your rear pads they wear as fast or faster than fronts on some MINIs.
Super Blue is also available at BME on Kawaihao behind the dealer-It is blue and ATE makes same fluid in golden (forget the name). Two colors makes it easy to see when system is completely flushed. I've been using Motul RB 660 fluid which is available at most motorcross or dirk bike places- If you track your car you should flush the system with either of these fluids and use it routinely. Also after each superlap track day or at least every other one you should bleed the brakes- for autocross only with only few minutes on track it doesn't have to be done as often.
I have the Motive power bleeder which is easy to use. I'm just outside of Kalama valley toward Sandy's and my place is available for DIY sessions. i have basic tools, jacks, stands, ramps. If folks need DIY I'm willing to help and can come to dirk's place or he can come here- whichever is closer.

 

Aloha folks-

Speaing of brake rotars, I have a set of front rotars I pulled from my '04 when I upgraded to slotted rotars this past July. I think they have like 7,000 miles on them. if anyone needs a set, let me know!

I have them stored in my garage and I think they are still in pretty good shape.

Aloha!

JCW04

 

Speaking of DIY anyone attempt the surf rack install?

Aloha!

JCW04

 

We just didn't want a humbug guy bothering us. Nah, we had this one handled but would definitely welcome your "expertise" when we do multiple cars. Thanks for offering your place as another DIY location.

 

I just got back from a mini MINI DIY. Quick brake bleeding on 13" Wilwood BBK (I wonder who that is? ). Needless to say this car is set for the next Super Lap! New 18" 225 RA-1s too!

 

Dakine, I wonder who the owner is? I should go and check em out :-0, this person must be pretty insane to have a setup like that. Sounds interesting !

 

--Thanks bgrpph for the info and the invite. Hmm I'm closer to you as I'm in Moiliili but I think BLS is on the west side so he's closer to Dirk. I'll PM you and BLS too see about your schedules.

Wow you're using motorcycle brake fluid? Is it just as good as the blue stuff, or is it better? Neat I like Motul products.

--pyratio

 

Keith, just replied to your pm before reading this.
I've had trouble finding Motul RBF 600 brake fluid around in auto shops but at SL few guys said check out the bike motorcross bike shops- I did and they had it- out past wapio costco turn right at light & there are 2 shops on same road. It's not bike fluid specifically
I've used both super blue and Motul RBF 600 racing fluid- the motul is a bit higher boiling point but i've been told it absorbs moisture quicker- either are fine.

 

I am going to be helping erik808 do his oil change next Monday (MLKjr day) morning at my place. If anyone wants to do small kine DIY, we should be able to accomodate it - just let me know. Pyratio - brake fluid change? bgrpph - you off on Monday? Would you be able to bring your code thing?