has anyone had to replace the rear calipers on a Cooper with over 100k miles? the auto shop told me they were rusted and needed to be replaced. I'm skeptical.

Thanks.

 

Rusted doesn't mean much. If they mean the piston is rusted and pitted and binding, you need new ones. I certainly hope they know they have to spin them to retract the pistons.

Why did you bring the car to them. If the brakes are working and wearing normally, odds are they are just ugly, but work fine.

 

the parking brake wasn't holding. when trying to correct, it was determined the rear brake pads were going over the lift of the rotors. when i took the car back to the folks who installed the brakes they told me it was the calipers that caused the pads to move and they needed to be replaced.

 

I think I understand. The parking brake handle would not allow the pads to squeeze far enough to hold the car?

If so, the cables can be adjusted.

Sorry, I can't quite tell enough to give you any answers. If the rear pads needed replacing, the rear brakes are working and adjusting or replacing the cables might fix it. Without looking at it, this is tough.