I just finished doing this brake job and learned a lot. 36K miles on the original pads.I bought new rotors, pads and sensors. I bought the Mini pads as I wanted to keep it correct. The rear calipers needed a special tool to SCREW the pistons in which I was able to borrow from AutoZone. The front were able to be pressed back with the C-Clanp. I wanted to post this for others who may want to do a brake job and not be prepared for the rear caliper tool. I love this forum for advice and tips. Great to have something that deals with my particular model. I also painted my calipers, rotors, and hubs. Looks great. I'll try to post the pics on my Photo Album.

 

Post up some pictures along with the products and procedure you used. Thinking of doing this myself.

 

I used the Duplicolor Caliper Paint. Spray and Brush. Spray is nice for some parts. Brush on for the calipers was easier to cover everything with a thick coat. Touch up outer calipers with spray afterwards.
I used 2 cans of brake cleaner, rags, cardboard, masking tape. The parts that could be removed were cleaned(scrubbed) in a bucket with scotchbrite and a Purple Power water mix. It took several hours to do this. I painted the rotors the day before. You will need to give several hours drying time before re-assembly.
Link to my Gallery Photos:
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ics-11489.html

 

I'm definitely doing this myself save a bunch of money and it's really not to difficult. Except for needing that tool.

 

I guess the brake tool surprise depends on how familiar you are with working on cars. I have had a brake piston tool kit in my tool box for a long while. It's not an uncommon setup, the way the rear calipers work. I think I paid $50 or so for a decent quality tool that does the job amazingly and makes it so much quicker.

One thing I've noticed on here with the brake job information on this forum: People are always going to be lazy or stubborn when it comes to renting or borrowing specialty tools(or in my case just buying them to always have), and will say use pliers or other means of doing it, and honestly, it's not the same. It's NOT as easy, it's NOT "right". No matter what people say. Can it be done? yes. But it doesn't mean it's the best/right tool or procedure for the job.

Also, good to see someone(who I'm assuming isn't typically a mechanic or sort?), doing their own work like this. Lots and lots of things an owner can do to their car with basic mechanical aptitude and tools to save tons of money. Brakes are one of the easiest things you can do yourself to save some coin.

 

I do like doing my own work when I can. I have done lots on both my Porsches. I do own a body shop and have lots of tools. Though I do not work at my shop, I do help out if needed. I have enough sense to know what I can do and what I shouldn't attempt. I use this forum for information, which is always helpful BEFORE I try something I can't handle.
It's not about saving money to me, it's the pleasure of knowing I did something I can be proud of. Having a lift and tools as well as a nice building makes it easy. I wouldn't attempt some of this if I had to do it in my house garage or driveway.

 

You'd be surprised what some of us would and do attempt at home lol. Some day I'll have a house with a garage tall enough to justify a 2-post lift. Until then, I'll do my own work, my friends work, and paid side work on the ground Done plenty of engine work, engine pulling, transmission/clutch work, suspension work etc... Things that lift of yours would make SOOOOO much easier, but we did it anyway. Don't take that lift for granted. Love it, caress it, keep it maintained. It's a blessing lol.

 

Just an FYI one of the board sponsors ECS Tuning sells a nice brake piston compression kit that fits a wide range of cars for $39. Bought it a couple of weeks ago when I changed out brake rotors, pads, brake lines etc. It worked great.

 

Also check out Harbor Freight. They have the tool that will work on many types of vehicles with all the adapters for $39.99. I have it and it works well on the MINI rear brakes.

 

Just ordered a 22 Pc kit today. Next time I will be prepared!

 

Yeah given the same price, and both most likely generic tool brands, I'd go ECS before HF. Only upside to HF is if there was a warranty, you have somewhere local to go for that.

 

I thought the same thing when I bought it. Just checked my toolbox and the ECS kit was from Schwaben Tools which is based out of Ohio. Never heard of them before but it worked well and seems good quality.