It looks like it's time to install a new set of brake pads. It's been about 30,000 miles or so. My question is...should I also replace the rotors? How do I know when the rotors need to be replaced?

Thanks

 

BMW calls for replacing rotors as well.

To see if you REALLY need to replace them, check the rotor surfaces and minimum thickness. The min thickness is stamped on the back. If there is a ridge on the outside (and likely there will be), you should get them turned (machined.) The shop will be able to tell you if they will still be > min thickness after turning. I don't recall how much is usually taken off.

 

30K and brakes and rotors? Must have a heavy foot. Factory pads don't seem to last long, but check for grooves on rotor and measure for thickness in mm. Probably if rotors look OK, replace pads and use anti squeal on back of pads. Be careful of sensors. If they are not worn thru you will be OK otherwise you will need to order them. One on front and one for the rear. I measured mine at 20k with 50% pad and 80% rotor. Replaced rotors and pads at 40K with pads at 25% rotors at 50% with drilled and slotted , EBC green and stainless braided hoses for less than factory originals. This is with 4 years SCCA Solo and Track Events (PDX) and Time Trials, and Road Rallys. I'm at 52K now.

 

Is your Mini still under warranty? If so, under the mainteince program Mini replaces the pads and rotors for free!!

 

Some thoughts:

1. How are you deciding that you need brakes? Just because of the miles? Did the sensor go off? Because the dealer said so (which then assumes you are out of pre-paid maint' elase they should replace them and no more questions)? I'd recommend you at least do the simple check of pulling a front and a rear wheel and looking at the pad. If the pad is material is thinner than the backing plate, then concur it is time to replace. But do check unless you just want to change 'em anyway cuz 30k is kinda early for many many drivers. Also, it is common to need fronts and not rears..... But if your gut says....30k, let's go for new brakes...I understand the feeling...

2. BWM/MINI does use a soft rotor and bad .... hence all the dust. If you are taking things apart, the additional cost and labor of an OEM quality rotor is pretty low...but if bucks are an issue, I changed front pads and kept the original rotors w/out issue. To get the pads off you've done 75% of what's needed to get to the rotor....two more bolts and a torx per wheel.

3. Brakes are a pretty easy DIY if you have access to tools and a garage. There's a great DIY set of instructions from OctaneGuy. Parts cost will vary but I just picked up EBC Greens, and Brembo rotors for about $350. I'll be putting these on the 02 next week. Should take an afternoon. (I'm doing for 'gut' ... son's ride now and it will make me sleep better!)

4. Check you local owner's group if there is one. Maybe you can find help. I've done this job for other owners for a small charge: A 6 pack, or lunch....one was kind enuf to tip a good bottle of Jamison's . I try to make it a learning experience if they are interested. Good basis for a club "tech day".

worst case scenerio:

this was an experience I had, and know of several others:

first service call out of pre-paid maintenance dealer says "you need brakes" ... so you are trying to decide if you should go to the dealer, else where, what to buy....

When I was told this, I laughed...because I'd done pads all by self just a few weeks b4. A friend took the word of the dealer, decided to go DIY tho, and ordered all new stuff, and was really p.o.'d when he took stuff apart and found his brakes at about 50%..... He likes his new brakes but wasn't so sure where the recommendation came from.

So, unless you are doing this for 'gut' reasons, maybe you should get a second opinion (unless the sensor went off )

 

Your stock rotors are likely fine after 30k. I would pull them, marking them as to their position. Then take them to a auto supply store that has a machine shop and have them check the thickness and if there in spec, have them turned. Fronts usually wear twice as fast as rears, so I doubt your rear pads are shot at 30k.

If your wanting to change out all four rotors and pads, take a look on ebay. There are many full sets of all eight pieces for about $250 and you get Zinc Plated rotors that will not rust and look GREAT

I have a set on my vette that haven't rusted in over two years of daily use.

 

Doesnt the zinc eventually wear off though?

 

I would guess so, but mine are two years old with daily use and they still are 100% rust free

 

just as a data point from a high mileage car

39k rear pads and rotors
59k front pads and rotors
79k rear pads and rotors

for me they seem to go about two years. New England daily driver with 10-12 autox events/yr. Not beaten on the street by any means.

 

I was told by a BMW mechanic friend of mine that typically rotors are replaced after the 2nd or 3rd set of brake pads--or 60,000+. It best to check the thickness with some calipers to determine if they are still within safe tolerances before replacing though. Harbor Freight sells a digital caliper that will work for this.