For the past few days I've been getting a intermittent grrriiinndddiiiinnng noise from the left rear brake. I changed the brakes last summer (not the rotors, IIRC). Anyway, took it my the local Mini jobber, tech gave me some explanation as to why it's happening that didn't make sense, but recommended I swap out rotors. We did feel a groove being cut on the inside face of the rotor. I theorize that something is stuck in the pad that is chewing into this rotor. I haven't had a chance to take the wheel off and examine it yet.

But nevermind that. I'm having a real problem paying $150 for a pair of OEM rotors when I can pay $50 for aftermarket. Now, I know that I'm going to get a bunch of mindless brand-loyalty spew out there, so before you line up and preach Mini OEM, you'd better have some facts or other compelling reasons for OEM.

Here is what I'm looking at:

http://www.pepboys.com/product/detai...ar/?quantity=2

or

http://www.autozone.com/autozone/par.../N-k1h85Z8knrr

Let the games begin!

 

I've never put OE rotors on my MINIs or the ones I work on for others.

If you don't track the car or auto cross, then a plain jane solid rotor is 100% fine.

But I'd find out what your problem if b4 slapping on a new set. I hope your relationship with your doctor is better that you have with your mechanic .... in other words, if you don't understand ASK QUESTIONS. IME when a mechanic senses weakness they spout BS cuz they see your wallet opening. . . .

 

Yeah, I didn't sense that from him, that I was being used just to buy new parts. He didn't remove the wheel to examine anything so what could he know? Thanks for the reply, I'll check out the aftermarket stuff this afternoon.

 

I bought my last set from Waymotorworks.com and sent a few other people that way with no complaints

his 'plain rotor':

WMW Brake Rotors R55 R56 R57 R58 R59 Cooper S
WMW Brake Rotors For 2007-2012 R55 MINI Cooper S Clubman, R56 MINI Cooper S, and R57 MINI Cooper S Convertible, Coupe S, and Roadster S without JCW brake kit. These are Brake rotors are Manufactured from High Carbon Steel. These are extremely high quality OEM replacement rotors. Pretty much the same performance as the stock ones, but a little easier on the pocket book. We pretty much use these on all brake jobs at the shop. These smooth face rotors are quiet and super durable. Also we don't have problems with them warping like rotors from the local auto parts store. They all come coated to keep them from rusting.

2 rears will be $100 plus shipping (he usually uses USPS flat rate priority which I get in 2 days)

see also his Zimmerman's

**********
yes you CAN beat that price at AutoZone. Is there a difference? Truthfully I've used AZ pads in the past when I was in a hurry for parts and didn't have any complaints. A rotor is a pretty simple thing . . . a round disk of metal with really smooth surfaces ... NOT rocket science!

*************
since we are now brothers, should I be looking for a birthday card? ;-]

 

I was thinking the whole knife & palm slitting thing. You know, blood brothers kinda thing. Thanks for the advice.

 

I have the duralast Autozone rotors on the front for my MCS for almost a year now. No problems, I used their pads as well. Of course, I do not race it as it is just a daily driver for me.

 

Centric Rotors, Hawk pads. Can't go wrong

 

One good thing about the WMW rotors is that they are plated so they don't rust (except where the pads rub). Depending on how open yoru wheels are (and how much that you care about that kinda stuff), this may be a big deal or not.

I don't know if Autozone or Pepboys offers a 'premium' rotor that is plated. The factory ones rust up pretty quickly.

Just another thing to think about.

Have fun,
Mike

 

Way....

 

I like EBC rotors, the plain ones. Summit racing has them.

 

Just make sure whatever rotor you get is coated. If not, all the parts that aren't touched by the pads will RUST, and look like crap in no time.

If it doesn't say the rotor is coated, it's not! And you will regret it until you replace them.

Or, you can paint the rotor hat with Zn-Cr paint.