I am about to replace the rear brake pads after 46k miles - how do I know if the rotors need replacing?

Also, there are not many vendors for rear pads for the R56. Prices seen to start at $56 at Napa, run around $124 for Carbotech and OEM are even higher. Suggestions?
Thanks

 

Great question....

I "wrench" alot on my Jeep and other's (many of us have different axles and such from other manufacturer's on our "junk") and usually all it takes is removing the rotors and taking it to one of your parts stores that will turn them for you.

WITH THAT BEING SAID! On my VW Jetta 2005.5 TDI, VW deliberately made the rotors "lightweight" and turning them is next to impossible...not impossible but I ended up having to replace them. I am NOT sure on the MINI if the rotors are "turnable" or not....wish I could help on that. There is a spec, not sure where you would find it other than here or your SA, on how much needs to be left on the rotors before they have to be replaced.

Not much help but might give you a start FL!

Regards,

Mike

 

Mini rotors like most European cars use up the rotors at the same time as the break pads. This gives you better braking power but its more expensive when its brake replacement time because the rotors will need to be replaced.

 

Check out www.mimimania.com for a huge selectiom of oem +++ pads and rotors.

 

I had checked out MiniMania and they only have the OEM pads for the rear of the R56. Most vendors seem to have a range of options for the R53 but not much for the R56.

 

you'll find the minimum thickness ON the rotor ...

BMW/MINI says replace with pads but I went two sets of pads to a set of rotors for over 90,000 on my 02

 

Right in line with my VW experience....I would assume it would be similar on the MINI but unsure.

 

I think it is best to replace the rotors every time you do a brake job, it adds stopping power. But get some Powerslot cyrotreated rotors they are less likely to warp and have better cooling properties.

 

The cryo Powerslot rotors seem to last longer. You should easily get 2 sets
of pads out of a set of cryo rotors.

 

Outmotoring.com has hawk rear pads for the 56.
http://www.outmotoring.com/mini-coop...rake_pads.html

 

I have Carbotech 1521 Bobcat pads front and rear pads on my 2007 MCS. I like them a lot. Brake dust is barely noticeable (unlike the OEM that covered the boot and wheels in dust), they brake well (better feel than OEM, IMO), and they are supposed to be easy on rotors. I got them from AutoXCooper.

 

Thanks for the tips.

I now have a question on decoding the indicators on the dash. A couple of weeks ago the "BRAKE" light came on and the service indicator had -100 for the rear brakes. I assume this means the pads are due for replacement and, as there is moderate life left, I am not rushing but will get round to it soon.

First question: when I start the car, the "BRAKE" light is on and initially the Service indicator is on. After a few seconds it changes to a red picture of a car on a lift which then goes away after a minute. The manual says that having the "BRAKE" light on with the red car on a lift means the car's electronics have failed and it should not be driven. I am guessing that is not what I have as something that serious would not go away after a minute. I assume this is just telling me about the brake wear as I started to get that display at exactly the time the miles for the rear brake started counting down. Am I right or is there a bigger problem?

Second question: does this indicator mean I have to replace the wear sensor in the brake pads? How do I reset the system after replacing everything?

Thanks