Does the JCW Brake kit give you quick brake pads replacement? I go to the track about once or twice a month. I change the pads out to Carbotech Race pads each time and although not that difficult with the standard brakes. it is somewhat time consuming. I know that some brake kits offer quick pad replacement with the removal of just a quick release pin (after removing the wheel). I was wondering if the JCW kit does too.

 

Yes, on the front brakes. They are Brembo 4 piston calipers. Changing pads involves removing two pins and a retaining clip. Spread the old pads to compress the pistons, pull old pads out, drop new ones in, and replace clip and pins. Easy-peasy. Takes 5 mins. each.

Rear brakes are the same as on Cooper S. Not as easy as fronts.

I swap between Carbotech Bobcats for street and XP10 for track. I have XP8 on rear and don't swap them between track and street.

 

If memory serves on the last XP10 swap the 09 JCW fronts are quick change with pins. Very fast compared to my 07's brakes.

 

I am glad I found this thread! I am getting ready for a track day at the end of the month and I need to put new pads on my front JCW brembos. This will be my first time doing a pad replacement. The instructions seem simple enough and it will be good if I can learn to do this on my own. Any other tips for a first timer? I read that I should remove the brake fluid reservoir cap off before I try to compress the pistons. In case the brake fluid gets pushed out of the reservoir while I compress the pistons, what can I do to make sure it does not make too much of a mess?

 

As long as you don't have the resevoir overfilled (as long as the brake fluid level isn't above the max line), it's not going to overflow (you could probably compress every single brake piston on the car at the same time and it still wouldn't overflow, it's a minimal change). You don't HAVE to remove the cap, theoretically at least it would make it easier to compress the pistons...

 

I never remove the cap, and my reservoir is full. You'll need a pin driver to tap out and reseat the pins. I compress the pistons by taking channel locks and prying them open against the backing plates of the pads. Check out this video. It's for a Porsche but is close enough.

 

Thanks guys! Much appreciated.

 

RaceTripper, do you happen to know what the pin driver diameter is? I need to go buy one for this job.

 

I use a smaller 4 mm to drive the pin out from the sharp end, and a larger 8 mm one to reseat it from the head.

 

I just watched that video. All brake systems should be designed like that! If the manufactures wont do it, make it a law (Can you tell I'm impressed?)

 

Whoa, glad I came across this thread! I don't track my JCW, but it needs new pads. The stock MCS pad replacement seems a bit more involved than I'd like, but I think I can handle this one if it really is as easy as that video says.

Any details on replacing the rear pads?

 

I use a Craftsman Torx T25 screw driver to drive the pins out. Its just the right diameter and has a flattish end and a handle.

 

As previous posters said. fronts are really easy as they have two pins easily removable. I struggle with the clip when putting the pads back in as I only have a hammer and a screwdriver in my garage, but Im able to do it the day before the track day. Rears are the pain, as you have to take the caliper out.
Good luck.

 

Thanks. Seems I'd be silly to not do the fronts myself.