Background: Why does Mini fight me on every freaking maintenance item I try to complete. Front break pads were low and I decided to replace pads and rotors. Surprisingly I've gotten 100K miles on this set of break pads and rotors (akebono ceramic pads) . But, typical with Mini, it had to spoil my expected easy brake service by giving problems:

Problem #1 - Solved but blew a day: Torx-25 screw that secure rotor to hub stuck - aggggg

I kind of expected this screw to be tough. So, after careful research before starting job, I obtained a manual impact-driver to go at this screw. I got the first one off w/o much fuss. But the right-front rotor had to give me problems. I banged on the screw with a piece of rebar and my BFH(big-F'ing-hammer), sprayed with wd-40, let sit overnight because I was tired and pissed-off. Then was finally able to get it removed the next day. What a total royal pita!
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Problem #2:

I thought I was home free, but Mini decided to F with me again. I removed calipers and caliper carrier bracket to only discover that lower guide-pin in right-front carrier bracket is stuck. What is weird is that I can spin it by hand but, guide pin will not slide in or come out - Agggg

After some research, I discovered that lower guide-pin is the shorter one with the rubber sleeve. And, if incorrect lubricant (petroleum based instead of silicon based) is used, the rubber sleeve on guide-pin will swell and sick in carrier-bracket. I tried to remove guide-pin by putting carrier-bracket in a vise, gripping guide-pin with vise-grips, and banging the vise-grip with a hammer. All to no avail.
So now I'm F'ing stuck. On day-2 of mini still on jack stands taking up my garage. And wife asking when 'her car' can get back in garage.

Any ideas on how to remove stuck lower guide-pin that has the rubber sleeve on it, will be greatly appreciated.

In mean time, I've decided to move on Plan-B, take the hist and order a new replacement caliper carrier bracket which comes with new guide-pins...

W

 

#1- Any time this happens (which is frequent regardless of the car) I immediately grab a drill and drill out the head of the screw. It takes just a minute. I put everything back together with the drilled screw still stuck in the hub. Its only purpose is to keep the rotor from flopping around as you assemble the caliper. The wheel lugs are what actually holds the rotor in place while you're driving.

#2- It's been a long time since I've done brakes on an R56, but I'm pretty sure those guides aren't supposed to come out easily. I'm not sure what the problem is exactly.

 

I hate those rubber bushes, you can't buy them either, or at least not the correct size. Most likely the rubber has welded itself to the bore but spins on the pin if it's that tight. You might have to take the caliper off and make a jig up to press (pull it out). You will probably need to replace the whole pin, but I'd do it with the normal non rubber pin that is available as the rubber is just there so the caliper does not rattle.

 

jackski2,

Thank you for replying. As i indicated above, I had to take the $90 hit on the chin and obtain a new caliper carrier bracket. Nothing, at leat for me, is ever smooth when working on my 2009 MCS. But I do love driving it... :-)

W

 

BTW, I had 2001, 2003 & 2006 GSXR1000's. What great bikes and that's why I have the Mini too as I think it's the closest thing on 4 wheels to 2.

 

Fwiw - I still have my 2001 gsx-r 1000 k1. 19K miles on 20 year old gixer that still runs like its brand new. It's a well maintained 1-owner bike. I guess I'm dating myself. I'm over 55 but i still get the K1 out now and then ripping it up though the gears, effortless power-wheelies... I drive my MCS to calm down - LoL :-)

W

 

[QUOTE=GsxR1000;4606475]Fwiw - I still have my 2001 gsx-r 1000 k1. 19K miles on 20 year old gixer that still runs like its brand new. It's a well maintained 1-owner bike. I guess I'm dating myself. I'm over 55 but i still get the K1 out now and then ripping it up though the gears, effortless power-wheelies... I drive my MCS to calm down - LoL :-)

Great stuff, all mine were new also. I liked the 01 and 06 more that the 03. Copper color 03, black 06. I'm 10 years older than you but still riding (Duc 1198) and I'll be back to racing this season. I doubt I'll ever give up my MCS though although my wife has one also.