Hello, I have had to change my rear break pads 3 times in the last year because the rear outboard pads have just been wearing away. At first I thought it was the ceramic/fibrous part delaminating from the backing plate but after it happening 3 times in a year I am starting to think that it has something to do with how I am re-assembling the rear brakes. I am fairly good with the wrench and followed the DIY brake pad replacement thread in the Mod forum. Has anyone else had this problem or have an idea as to what is going wrong here.

Malcolm

2003 Electric Blue Mini Cooper S

 

What does the wear look like? How are your rotors?

 

The pad wear looks totally uneven between inboard and outboard pads. The outboard pads are down to the backing plates. The rotors are a little scarred but not worth trashing over. I am thinking it has to do with the float of the caliper but I'm not sure what is causing it.

Malcolm

2003 Electric Blue Mini Cooper S

 

Are you sure the springs on the inside pads are securely seated in the groove on the caliper? If not, they could be acting as a shock absorber.
Also, have you lubed the caliper sliding pins?

 

I am guessing the piston is rusty and binding. All the makes the pads retract is the rotor spinning. If the piston isn't able to move with relative ease, it keeps pressing on the pad and wears it out. A new caliper, or a rebuild/recondition would be the cure if I am correct.