We have a sponsor that wants to give free product to all MINI owners that attend the race this weekend. So I'd like to try to get a head count. Also who is heading up the MINI Corral at the track, I need to talk with you.

Thx
Tony

 

Tony, if I can compress my rear caliper pistons to finish the pad install (C-clamp not turning it!), count me... Looks like you will have some rain on Fri, but should be dry on Sat. I'd figure on a slightly wet track...

 

There is a special tool for this. The BMW's use a similar piston. The piston has to be screwed back in while it is being compressed. Its a tedious process so you need some patients. The tool should be available at the usual parts stores.

 

Thanks Tony. Yeah, pain in the azz for sure... Harbor Freight has one for 40 bucks, but I want to drive much sooner than that. Some C-clamps seem to work, while others not. I'm going to raid my pop's garage tonight to borrow some of his clamps. If not, Pep Boys, where I think I can borrow the tool...

I should be at Laguna, and maybe my wife also!

 

TonyB,

Have you tried HF in Newark to see if they have the tool in stock?

I hope to go to Laguna but I am not sure yet.

 

Most shops have a universal (snap-on, Mac, etc) tool that may work. Otherwise a BMW shop or MINI Tech will have one. C-clamps alone won't do it. The piston screws out as the pads wear down this is function of the e-brake. So you have to screw it back in while forcing the piston in.

 

You have to kind of assist the c-clamp with some channel locks at the swivel end, I turned the c-clamp handle and base at the same time to compress the piston back in. Hope that made sense:smile:


BTW, I'm at the track Saturday for sure to check out the MINIs and hang out.

 

I haven't tried HF Newark, and actually didn't even know they were up there! Cool. There are How-To's and folks who have used just a C-clamp, with no problems... Go figure.

However, if the C-clamp is working as designed (I believe), it should not work for this application. A C-clamp is not supposed to spin the object that it's grabbing; at least mine are on swivels that spin freely. Now, if I can lock that swivel, it will indeed turn as I crank it down.

How far is Newark from SJ? Sorry for letting this get OT guys...

 

sfjames2, I guess you posted while I was composing. That I can see working alright. Instead of channel locks, I think some vice gripes might do the job a tad better. Maybe I'll even weld one of my C-clamps so it does not swivel

 

What I did this weekend, though a bit tedious, was cut a small S-hook and insert it in two holes, then while holding with my thumb, turn the piston with a screwdriver and compress the C-Clamp. Worked, but was a major PITA.


FYI - I called MINI Peabody and they don't stock the tools for sale, but if they did they are around $200 the parts guy said

 

I think I'm going to fab my C-clamp with a couple small welds and that should do it... HF is only about 15 min north of my place of work, so I might do that instead:

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=40732

On hold with them now... I'm putting-in new pads, and also the rear caliper stiffening kit. I also have braided ss brake lines I was going to install later with a brake blead. If I do the lines now, with the pressure loss (lines off), will I still have a hard time compressing the pistons? Because if not, heck, I'll do the lines now also...

HF does have the tool in stock in Newark...

 

Think I'm gonna pick that Caliper tool set up as well.

 

If might go there during my lunch break tomorrow... Do you live in SF?

 

TonyB,

I guess you figured out where Newark was. You're not far at all. Don't get carried away when you're there. They have lots of goodies there.:smile:

 

Yuppers, I'm in the City. I still have another couple thousand on my original brakes, so I cannot buy new ones until necessary per the wifey.
I'll be seeing ya...

 

Meanboy, your right over the Hill and we have not met yet. Hope you can make it out to the track this Sat.

 

Tony,

I'll be there all weekend. I'll be the 6'8" guy with the cameras.
Jim Williams

 

tnuzzo,
I'll be there friday mornining and of course Saturday. Mickey

 

I'll be there on Saturday and I want to go in the Mini Corral.

 

Emanuel, is there somewhere to sign up to be in the Corral?

 

Quick diversion... sfjames2, HF not only has these, but they are 50% offf now!!! Out the door for 21 something See you guys on Sat!

 

That's a steal, thanks for the info. I'll see ya later

 

SF James,
According to an email from the Norcal Mini, when you pay for the tickets, just let them know you are going to the Mini Corral and they will direct the cars. I want to get to Laguna by 8:00 to see the practice session in the morning. I may be one of the first cars there. Anyone else planning on going early?
Emmanuel

 

Tony,
Thanks for the heads up on the tool. For that price, I getting one myself.
Emmanuel

 

Emmanuel,
We'll be there by 7am to get ready for the early practice. We go on track at 8:30. Be sure and stop by to say hello.
Tony