Mishka,

I had no idea that there was a difference in the filter. The Ford Escort and the Escort ZX2 use the same filter!?!

Well, being as lazy as I am, I am sure the filter will be in my trunk way past Saturday!

 

The oil filters are the SAME for both the R50(Justacooper) & the R53 (S) I may not know much but I know that.

Lois

 

I'm waiting to hear from AutoZone right now. They stock the right filter, but it was out of stock. There's supposed to be one in their delivery today. If it is I'll have one-if not, I'll need yours LtRex. Of course, I could just use yours then it won't be taking up space in your car for months.

 

I got an STP filter from AutoZone today so I think I'm in good shape for tomorrow. Our only potential problem could be the weather. It's snowing like crazy here now-and has been for a couple of hours-and accumulating on the roads.

 

Be safe; if it's too slick there's always another mod day. If you can't make it, we'll miss you but manage.

 

I'm still on for tomorrow, but I *might* have to leave after lunch to work. Hopefully we can do my strut brace i the morning, but if not I can do it later.

 

Sorry Guys, driving to indianapolis tomorrow to visit family...... in the MINI of course. Maybe the Indy club has something going on ??

 

Roads are clear! We'll be there. Woohoo!

 

This event was Awesome!

Thanks Mark for hosting, Aaron for organizing it and to all those who helped out.

 

Sorry, guys. I "had" to extend my trip and stay in Florida over the weekend. I can't say I missed the cold, but I really wish I could have participated.

 

I second that.

 

A new Mini Owner of a used 2002 I learned a tremendous amount of information. This was a great reason to join the club. (I was the guy in the USA Sweatshirt) Thanks Aaron and Mark and all the others who used their cars to show us. Its all about the tools.

Aaron, would like to know the tools used for various things we did today, but specifically:
MM size socket for oil (36mm?)
MM size allen for brakes (8mm?)
Sparkplug tools
Where you get the plugs, belt, etc. to include the compound placed on the rotors so the wheel won't stick?

I'm going on Harbor Freight tonight, Moss Mini, etc. Great meeting everyone and looking forward to the next. Need to find that spring tension tool:

 

+1 on compliments to the organizers and helpers, and to Mark for hosting.

Thanks for helping me get my strut brace on. It was also good to see the other members.

 

Thanks to everyone for attending! A great time was had by all and everyone learned a lot. Special thanks go to Mike Roberts and Brad Bloomquist for bringing tools and their wrenching skills to help out. Thanks to my wife Amber for bringing the pizza and supplies for lunch as well!

Most of all, let's all thank Mark from Clear Auto Bra LLC for letting us host the event in his wonderful facility. Mark is a true friend to the club and is always there to help us out. He provided our breakfast and the pizza for lunch as well. Thanks Mark!

I know many of you will now have questions about clear bras, stripes, etc. for Mark. Here's the website for Clear Auto Bra LLC:
http://www.ultrashieldofstl.com
Remember, Mark offers all STLMINI club members a club discount!

As for tools and sites, look for another post below. Everyone, feel free to throw in suppliers and sites that you know about as well. I can work on developing them into a master thread for STL that everyone can use.

Thanks again! Aaron

 

Mark does first rate work. He did the stripes, clear bra, and tint on my JCW. Definitely recommended.

 

Here's a list of tools/supplies/suppliers from today:
Brakes:
Hawk Pads: http://www.raceshopper.com
Rotors: All of the MINI sources, plus NAPA as well for OEM rotors
8mm Allen and 16mm socket for brakes
Spring pull tool and brake piston retractor: Autozone, Advance, etc.
ATE brake fluid: http://www.raceshopper.com

Sparkplugs:
NGK plugs: http://ngkwholesale.com
Socket extensions and spark plug socket: Harbor Freight, NAPA, Advance, etc.

Anti-seize for bolt/spark threads: Auto parts store (carry large can and small tubes)

Oil change:
Filter socket: 36mm shallow socket

Serpentine Belt:
Belt: NAPA or MINI Suppliers
Pulley tensioner tool: http://www.outmotoring.com

That's all for now. Please add to the list!

 

Mechanix gloves are useful.

Small torque wrench used for strut brace on my car (using a large one like you would for wheels can go badly in the lower torque range).

 

On the Hawk Pads which ones? HPS? I was looking on line and the rear pad don't have a slot for the sensor? Advice.

 

Yes, the ones installed by Aaron and Brad were the Hawk HPS (according to my notes). Those who have used the rear pads have had to tie off the wear sensor somewhere in the wheel well with zip ties because, as you say, there is no slot for the sensor.

 

AARON,

Thanks for putting this event on. I learned plenty! I learned what I can and can't do! LOL!

 

We just got home-since Jene sat through me doing MINI stuff all day, we spent the evening doing our part to stimulate the economy.

We had a lot of fun, met a lot of great people/new friends, and learned a lot more than I expected. I don't think I'm ready to try a brake change on my own, but I think I would be willing to try to do it myself with a little guidance. Yesterday there was no way I would've even thought about trying something like that.

As said previously, a big "Thank you" Mark for the use of the facilities and the food, and thanks Aaron, Brad and Mike for setting this up, bringing the necessary tools and sharing your knowledge. I also want to thank everyone who shared tips, tricks, and all additional info.

 

Since I couldn't stay for the rear pads/rotors how do you get the rear rotors off? I remember there is enough room on the front to wiggle them off (after removing torx screw) but on the rear somebody said you have to take the entire caliber piece off to remove the rotor. Another post by Octaneguy here on NAM doesn't show that part.

 

BTW, I got soooo much stuff to do it aint funny. Can't eat the elephant whole, so I'll bite off one peice at a time, starting with the oil. The guy I got my MCS from didn't take care of her so I have to make up for lost time. My projects: Oil, belt, pads/rotors all around, cabin air filter, and then spark plugs.

 

Mike, Aaron, Brad and Bill - thanks so much for taking the time to make yourself available for the tech event. I learned so much, and left with tons of confidence to do a lot of maintenance myself. Thanks to Bill on the Serpentine belt change - that was amazingly simple.

See you all on the road in the near future.

Brendan "Bo" O'Donnell

 

By the by - on the front brake pad and rotor change, the rotors I used were Cryos.

Bo