Hey All,
Looking for good or bad results from changing the brake pads on first gen base cooper (2002). I know it's recommended to change the rotors and pads together, but any problems with changing just the pads?
Thanks! Greg

 

really depends on your wear....how badly scored are the rotors... or if you want to be 100% correct, you would need to have the old rotors resurfaced and check the minimum thickness stamped on the rotor

but many, like me, have gone thru two sets of pads before changing the rotors.

On the other hand, if you will DIY this job, the additional work to swap the rotors too is minimal and you can pickup basic rotors (Brembo for example) fairly inexpensively; especially as compared to the cost of having them recut which will cover almost half the cost of new in many cases.

 

It depends on the condition of the rotor. If the rotor is grooved you can have it turned at a local auto shop if worn below spec it should be replaced.

If the rotor is in good shape, just replace pads. Both the rotor and pad expericence wear.