hello friends - been a tough end of 2014 thus far.

Bottom line - I am handy, but could use a guide on how to do front brakes on my 2008 JCW.

Is there a step by step guide already posted ? I searched but didn't see one.

I need to see some pics and step by step to make sure I do it right. I actually did the brakes once in the past - but I didn't know where the bleed valve was and I had issues pushing the piston in. so I thought I would reach out to you all. This is now my only driver and I cant afford Mini's $700 quote !

I did some searching and I suspect I can get the parts for $200 or less - if anyone knows what I should order please please please attach a link to the item, I need to make sure I order the proper parts. But I do not want Mini brand as I am looking to go cheapest possible.

any guidance would be GREATLY appreciated. Mini said the front pads are at 1 millimeter now - and I must admit, stopping the car is a challenge when wet outside. dry conditions it seems to operate normally. but inspection is due next month and I need it to pass.

thank you !!

 

Here is the link to it even though it is for an R53 https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...beginners.html

I just did my front brakes last week. Very easy and straight forward. Do one side at a time so you can look at the other if you forget what it looked like or how it fit. Loosen the top on the brake fluid reservoir and put a towel around it to catch the fluid in case it spills over when you compress the caliper piston back in. If you are low on funds you can probably get away with not changing the rotors this time. Pads cost from $23 on up. Sorry to hear about the end of your year woes.

 

Thank you - very much appreciate the link ! wondering - when you open it do the pictures load? they do not for me so I am wondering if its due to old links or my ancient computer. If they load perhaps I can get a friend to print the post for me. thanks

 

I just checked, they are not loading for me either on my iPad Air so I think they are old links. Since you've done a brake job before you should be fine. You should not have to bleed your brakes if they were working before and you do not open any lines or bleeder screws. Very carefully use a screw driver between the old pads and the disc to push the pistons back in before you start taking it apart. Again, open the cap on brake fluid reservoir to release the pressure as you push the Pistons back in.

 

You might try the local library for a service manual or a local MINI club and ask for some assistance from one of the members.

 

If you're just doing the front brakes it's not any more difficult than a front brake job on any other regular car. Just unbolt the caliper from the carrier and replace the pads. Use a big clamp to compress the piston back into the caliper making sure you don't push brake fluid out the reservoir.

 

thank you. okay, I didn't know about removing the brake fluid cap to release the pressure! I recall using a large wrench and pushing the piston in with both hands last time ... was no fun !

Anyone know the tools I will need and the sizes? I will need to borrow a few wrenches from a friend (several friends by the sounds of it as no one seems to have one tool box I can borrow). I know I have the star piece that holds the rotor in place - I bought that last time, but I cant get to my tools as I am kicked out ! ugh. so I might need to buy whatever that is ... I do not recall it being an Allen wrench.

if it matters, this is a 2008 JCW sidewalk edition. thank you !!

 

where are you? Maybe some one is close and can help

 

I am in North Jersey bouncing between homes until I can find something more stable. Just need a few more weeks to save up what little income I get (at 49 years old I am living on peanuts as my pay goes to the joint account to pay for the house .... really truly stinks).

I have texts out to all my friends and between them all they will have what I need, but I need to know going in because these guys are scattered between NJ and PA. 4 guys will be coming over with auto knowledge so I should be okay to do this with them. But I can get into the project and realize I need an extension or a 11 mm shallow socket and only have a deep one....cause we would have to drive some long distances to dig through scattered tools at their homes.

Such a mess !

 

remember


most large chain parts stores will loan tools ... you just leave a deposit until you bring it back . . .


your 8 ragtop is GEN1 right? But JCW uses what is standard S brakes on a GEN2S?


Then a standard metric socket set should do you fine ... yes the short extension is handy
{GEN1 S (not JCW) brakes, you need a 7mm allen socket ... not a particularly common tool IME}


you need a T-50 TORX to get the rotor positioning bolt out.


Technically you'd want a torque wrench . .


and a big C clamp helps pushing the piston back in .... for the rears a piston retraction tool helps as you must push and TURN

 

Drive your car to my house with the parts. I'll do it for free and teach you at the same time. I'm on Long Island and am free Saturday

If it takes more than an hour even counting the pleasantries I'll be amazed.

Let me know.

Ps. Ive paid for 2 homes. 1 I don't live in. I feel your pain.

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Wow. That's a great offer. Not many of those kind of offers anymore. Well done!

 

...sounds like my group of guys... I've said the next time I get the feeling to get married, I'll just go down to the local bar and find some woman that despises me and just buy her a house and call it even... that will get over the feeling.

Nice to have NAM members willing to lend a hand, Drivehard earns +5 Awesome points.

Motor on!

 

Awesome Bravo Drivehard

 

NOT trying to suck up


but I have had this open invitation for folks in the SPACE COAST area for years


buy the parts and come over ... I'll mount and teach.

 

Well thank you guys. That's nice. Full believer in karma. She can be a ***** some times. I've gotten lots of help in the past. No shame in asking or giving. Life's too short

Offer open to OP. just give me a heads up. And capt bj. Thank you for your offer also no harm.

Regards.

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One of the best Thanksgiving stories and brotherhood in the Mini community.

 

Great to see this support, what an awesome community.

 

Awesome gents....we are a great group of guys that appreciate the car culture...cheers to each and every one..Rob Thiess...from Southern California.

 

That's a tough time to go through! Glad that guys are stepping up to help a brother in need. Anyone in SoCal that needs some assistance, I would be glad to help out anytime! Good luck, cg1! We have your back.

 

CG1,
I printed and saved the pictures from octaneguy's how to. Keep them with my Bentley manual. Send me your email address and I will scan them and send to you as a PDF. I've been down the same road you are traveling now. Look ahead you will see my tail lights. It is brighter on the other side!!

 

OP never responded BTW. ??????😞

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