The car is a totally stock 2002 Mini Cooper S --- back seats are in, radio works, interior is installed ... it's not my daily driver. I'm running stock rotors and I'm pretty sure I was using HPS pads, but I have to get home to be sure.

My sister and I share the car, so on track days, there are two drivers ... we are both intermediate drivers (run groups B and C) and both brake aggressively (we are learning so we probably brake too hard/too long). Often times the car goes on back to back sessions.

I autocross once a month.

We drive the car to and from the track, but the car is only occasionally used when not racing - it's my date car.

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Our first and major issue is that my sister and I wore through a set of pads in two track days and one autocross day. (see above about braking too hard.)

The suggestion from another mini owner today (an instructor) was to consider HP+ for front and back. On a different post, LGENF suggested HT10s. (thank you)

The second issue and the reason for this thread was that on one or two occasions, my brake pedal went quite soft and the car didn't stop well. I let the brakes cool a touch and everything was right in the world (pedal felt good, car stopping well).

I presume that this second issue was due to failure of the brake hydraulic system - a) brake fluid too hot or b) brake lines expanding

This sensation of soft pedal no brakes only occurred as the pads were nearing the end of their use. I presume, thin pad=more heat transfer=hydraulic problems. Does anyone have thoughts on this?

Since it was only an isolated incident, maybe due to thin pads, and likely due to me braking too much/too long, I am not sure about going for the steel brake line upgrade. I'd love to hear what people thought about the real impact of adding steel brake lines.

Thanks for your input guys

-JM

 

all depends on how you drive and how often you track the car .

 

if you track the car at all, its probably an inexpensive upgrade that can't hurt.

 

I changed the OP to give more information on my driving skills, style, and needs.

 

Since you say you are new to tracking the MINI, I will mention this. I was told the leaving the DSC on can activate the brakes more than you might think, causing them to overheat. Not sure if you are doing this. Leaving it on for a few warm up lap is OK, but not longer.

 

Never used DSC on the track ... cant imagine it helps ... am I missing something?

-JM

 

You didn't mention brake fluid in you first post thesis (I'm kidding), which one do you use? On my first DE with oem setup I boiled the brake fluid and had the oem brake lines. That combination caused soft pedal / fade issues throughout the later sessions. Per recommendation from the instructors, I've since changed to stainless steel braided lines and ATE Super Blue with otherwise OEM brakes and have not suffered the same brake issues.

I would do it, it's not an expensive mod and it should at the very least help ease your brake issues.