Hi guys!

This is my first post, been lurking for a little bit here, first as n unregistered viewer then as a registered one.

Here's my dilemma, and well it's killing my mini mod motivation.

I have a 2006 Mini Cooper in Pure Silver, everything is pretty much stock except for me recent upgrade to the front brakes.

I upgraded to EBC Green Stuff pads, and EBC Performance slotted rotors.
I have changed the brake pads numerous times, and rotors, and even calipers on my cars, last month I did my wife's brakes and serptine belt, as well as her alternator with no hiccups, but here's my confusion with my mini.

For some ungodly reason my mini's steering wheel shakes violently at low braking speeds or when I press lightly on the peddle, at hard braking or fast stopping its fine. At slower or lighter braking it pulls to the right or left depending.

I know this sounds like a warped rotor, but how can a new rotor go warped with new brake pads.

I should note:

I recently had my car worked on at the dealership and had the front control arm bushings replaced I'm at 52k. Also when I was changing the rotors the locking bolt on the OEM rotors was frozen shut I did my darnedest with the right Hex tool I think 50 or 49 to remove it but it wouldn't budge, finally it stripped and I drilled it out, using an extractor I removed it, I didn't put another one back, as I didn't see the point in the locking nut, because every other rotor I've ever replaced never used one.

So I'm wondering if I screwed the pooch with this blunder?

sincerely,
David

 

rotors can warp in the box if not stacked right when cooling, they could be from the bottom of the pile. it is more than likely something else. give me a call and i can walk thru a few steps with you.

the bolt is not needed. also look to make sure the bolt is really all out and not just a piece left sticking up as this can make the rotor uneven. rotate the rotor 180 or till the holes all line up to see if that helps.

and who knows what the dealer really did...

Chad
Detroit Tuned.

 

Naww...lots of people leave the retaining hex out....you did put the EBC rotors on the correct side right? And the area was clean when they were mounted....the rotor was decreased too right...to get rid of finger prints, etc too right?
Sounds like you need to measure them and see if they are warped. Terrible luck...those EBC rotors seem nice if you can put up with the noise they can make....some have said they are pretty loud!!
Good Luck!!

 

Chad, thanks for the quick response. I am positive the hex nut is totally removed as I drilled out the hole flush, so I don't think that was the issue, would suck if this was a bad batch of rotors. I'll call you tomorrow, and hopefully we can figure out what the problem is. I'll have to wait again to rotate the rotors to match the holes.

ZippyNh, I don't think I removed finger prints, but I know there wasn't any grease or lubricants on them. I haven't noticed any noise or excessive noise from the rotors.

I think I have a pair of calipers, but it will have to wait to the weekend. I have never measured for flatness, I'm not sure how to do that properly, any advice?

Sincerely,
David