My wife has a 06 Mini (non-S), and it's time for brake pads (into the warning squealer things on the Pads)...

I have SOME knowledge of doing brakes myself (have changed my own pads on an old Honda CRX, etc...), but this car has me a little uncomfortable trying to do it myself.. We've only lived in HSV about a year and a half, and all my old mechanic "buddies" are back in Birmingham... So, if I get it jacked up and mess something up, I'm STUCK...LOL

I called Mini of B'ham and they said the Rotors can't be turned on these cars, and I was looking at $500 PER AXLE to put new pads on!! WTH??

My question is, Is there anyone here in Huntsville that is willing to help me (for a reasonable FEE) put new pads on the car. I'm comfortable with just putting pads on and NOT new rotors. They honestly don't feel warped/scored...

There's a "Budget brakes" here in HSV that advertises $69.99 brakes.. Would they just TOTALLY screw it up??

At any rate, we just DO NOT have $1,000 to shell out on Brakes right now, but on the other hand, I know I can't ignore BRAKES! LOL

Also, are there aftermarket (Advance/Auto Zone) pads that I can pick up here in HSV to do the job? (That are worth a hoot?)

HELP! ANYONE?

Dusty

 

You've done brakes before so you can definitely DIY. Go pick up a set of pads from the dealer. If the change brakes light is lit on your dash get a new sensor.
Then follow this nice HOWTO:
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...beginners.html

If I can do it with no experience, anyone can.

 

The $69 deal is usually only for pads. You definitely need to change the rotors at the same time as the pads. You can save money by doing the labor yourself, but the parts will be same (expensive). You can save a little on labor by going to a third party brake shop, but beware - the suspension components are fragile - a ham-fisted tech. can break the output shafts, etc.