Hey Everyone, I'm posting this as I got some information today from a mechanic that didn't quite mesh with every other car that I've ever owned as it relates to break pad replacement.

I've used this shop before, and they're very knowledgeable, but what I experienced is making me question their integrity.

The vehicle is a 2019 JCW. While the pads are much thinner than every other vehicle I've owned, they have much more surface area. My break sensor warning came on, so I bought new pads and called the garage that does my inspections to see when they could install them. They said that in addition to new pads, I would have to replace both front rotors at the same time or I'd feel vibration when breaking since the rotor thickness is different. Sounds plausible.

They've not see the vehicle yet, or the condition of the rotors. Every other vehicle I've owned, I've been able to burn through a few sets of breaks before my rotors were that bad and needed to be replaced.

Is this good advice to replace the rotors with the front breaks? The vehicle in question only has 20k on the odometer, this is the first set of breaks on the car.

The shop isn't trying to gouge me on parts (or labor), since I'm buying the parts for them to install. I'm questioning their advice, as the rotors look fine. Just because it's a larger braking system that doesn't mean maintenance would be that much different.... Or it could....

So I'm turning to the community for their advice and experience. Replace the front rotors with the breaks, or just replace the pads?

Thanks for the insight.

 

I just had my front pads replaced on my 19 JCW at Mini(34,000 miles) They advised the rotors were perfect and didn't need to be replaced. The backs were a different story, the rotors needed to be replace at 30,000 miles. Both this time and last Mini had a brake special that was more cost effective then me buying everything.

 

I just bought all new rotors and pads, said F-it. The shop is only charging 4 hours in labor. Doesn't seem horrible. A very close friend that is a mechanic told me the same thing, they generally won't warranty a break job unless new rotors are installed. If I'm coming to someone for advice, I'm not going to dictate their prescription. The rotors look fine, I was wondering about engineering tolerances, and if they're that picky.

 

I always replace rotors when I perform a brake job. Seems like cheap insurance against having brake issues from mismatched pads and rotors and having to perform the job again just to replace the rotors. You can usually get rotors pretty inexpensively from RockAuto.

 

Most Euro cars should get new rotors along with brake pads.

Your mechanic probably has been through the client return complaints of vibration, squeaking, odd noises.
That creates a profit loss for his work.

 

I've previously had pads replace multiple times at the dealership without having the rotors touched at all. I'd honestly be sketched out by someone who said that every brake pad service required new rotors.

 

I’ve never replaced brakes on a Mini but I have on enough other brands. I figure if I’m doing the work, I’m saving enough to buy the rotors so I’ve just always done it since about brake job number 1 or 2, when they squeaked like crazy when I was done. Cheap insurance.

 

There is a minimum thickness suggested from the manufacture for rotors. If you have enough thickness left they do not need to be replaced. My experience has been two sets of pads to one rotor replacement.

 

I had my rear pads die at 15,000 miles, the fronts at 18,000. I was pretty shocked at that, and while I’m a JCW owner I’m no hooligan.

Took the car to my local MINI specialist, he said that this is common on the F-series JCWs and that the rotors are good for 80k or so if you get the pads swapped before they’re really gone.

 

I replaced pads and discs all around at around 30k. You will get a lot of wear on the rears especially if you lean on the stability control which works on the rears. I was supposed by this. You will get longer life if you do not do trackdays...
I did the work myself but the rears I screwed up. Didn't know you needed a special spreader. Had to take it to a local shop for them to fix my mess.