My wife's JCW brakes are worn down to the indicator after 35K miles. Is it worth it or even safe to turn the rotors or should I just replace them?

 

I'm not a believer in turning rotors. For my money turning the rotors make them more susceptible to warping. New for me.

 

Usually replace them.

 

I've never had good luck with turned rotors, they usually warp and end up replacing them anyway. So for the last few cars I've just bought new ones and saved time and money by not having to do them twice.

The fonts I always replace, the rears, if not grooved too bad, will just stick another set of pads on, and replace every other brake job.

Nik

 

I'm not sure what you mean by "down to the indicator," (the rotors? Or the pads?) but most rotors have a minimum thickness number cast into them, and they should never be machined down further than that. Other than that, there's nothing really wrong with skimming them to get a nice flat surface. On the other hand, rotors don't cost much, and the rotor manufacturer does a great job of making that flat surface. Your average machine shop may or may not...

--Dan
Mach V
FastMINI.net

 

Brake indicator came on.

 

the light only means you need new pads, I worked at brakeshop and we never had any issues with turing rotors just my .02 BUT I always buy new rotors any ways thats becuse I always endup upgrading my brakes

 

Consider that MINI always replaces the rotors when they replace the pads.
Since MINI would be paying for the brake job during your free maintenance, the fact they replace the rotors (on thier dime) should tell you something.

 

I did not think that Brakes were covered under the warrenty?

 

There is no such thing as free. The cost of maintenance for the first three years is included in the purchase price of the vehicle. You paid for it.

 

Mine were replaced under warranty.

mb

 

I was just told today they are covered under "maintenance" which is the 36mo/36.000mi thing, but they are not covered under "warranty" which is your 5 year/50,000mi.

I guess what I'm hearing is if the dealer comes back with a price that seems high, consider going somewhere else. I was told it will be about $600 US for 2 or $1100 if they need to do all 4? Does that seem reasonable? Thats brakes and rotors...

 

You can buy new rotors and pads yourself for 1/2 that and get someone to install them for $150-$200. Or do it yourself and save the $150.

 

I called as well and they are covered as you said...luckily we are at 34K. I scheduled an appointment. The JCW rotors and pads are pricey but it is easy to change them if you are so inclined (which I am if I have to pay someone). If you are forced to pay for the parts yourself I would go aftermarket for that price. You can get ceramic pads and better rotors and throw in SS brakelines and still come in lower.

I am only 90 minutes away from you and would be happy to help change yours out, but you have some great guys in Tampa's Sunshine MINIS that I am sure would help show you how.

 

I bought 4 new pads (Hawk HPS) & 4 new rotors (Brembo ) & had them installed at an independent shop. My total cost was $750 but had I used OEM pads & rotors it would have been lower

p.s... I was told by the MINI dealer, Goodyear, & my indy shop that most new rotors are not made to be turned. They can be but it is not recommended as newer rotors are softer (I think that is the wording they used?) so so they don't squeal & so they provide better initial bite. I am by no means mechanically inclined, that's just what I was told.

 

Thanks all.

My car is actually in shop today being worked on which is why I was checking the forums.

There are some things I will try to do myself, brakes are not on that list, just not for me. But if they call back and say all 4 are needed, I will take it elsewhere as you all suggest. Those prices are a shocker.

Wouldn't it be refreshing if a dealer actually charged competitive prices...

PS: yes, the people in Sunshine MINIs are extremely helpful, they have proven that in the past