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Stock Problems/IssuesDiscussions related to warranty related issues and repairs, or other problems with the OEM parts and software for MINI Cooper (R50), Cabrio (R52), and Cooper S (R53) MINIs.
yes....MINI makes a specific tool for it in their rear brake service kit. I think you could do it without it though. The old boots will pop off with a small 6" screwdriver. The tool simply presses them back on, but if you worked them back on a little at a time, it should go on fine. No piston removal required.
BTW, I grab the boot and pull it sideways I(leaving a gap in between the piston and the boot). and spray some lube in there so that the boot will not try and spin with the piston when turning it back in.
Many thanks! You confirmed my suspicions. BTW, MINI's list price is $30+ just for the boot! I went on a search and found suppliers that sell the boot and piston seal for both front and rear calipers for about $5.00 ea.
What about the front dust boots? Can they be replaced without a caliper rebuild?
Not to read too much into it, but in the Bentley manual it says to inspect the boot and if damaged replace it. It then says if leaks are found to replace the caliper. Hmmmm ... it makes it sound like the front dust boots could be replaced without a caliper rebuild.
Follow-up: I just received the re-build kits from the link referenced above. Both front & rear look like the real deal, boots, piston seals, etc., all for what MINI wants for one (1) rear boot! Will tackle the job when I replace rear pads (soon) and report on the install. BTW, folks, I know MINI wants to sell parts but FWIW, I've been rebuilding brake calipers for years. If the sleeves and pistons aren't scored, it's a simple matter to blow the piston out with compressed air via the bleed nipple. Keep your fingers clear and cushion the piston with a wood shim in the caliper. Relace seal, dust boot, re-install and bleed.
i just ordered the rear rebuild kits plus some cheap rotors and midway priced pads . i'll keep track of the wear etc. and post in future . but if i get just a couple years i gotta say thanks for info . the prices are looooooow .
Finally got around to replacing my rear pads in anticipation of the up-coming track season. After removing the old pads, the pistons are extended and make replacing the rear boots EZ. These inexpensive aftermarket ones fit fine and at a mere fraction of the OEM.
So, is there a seal inside the caliper on the rears? I have one rear caliper that has a torn dust boot. When I push on the boot I get a bit of fluid coming out. That says to me that the internal seal isn't seating properly or is worn. MINI doesn't even sell a rebuild kit for the rear, though they sell the boot. While I've done caliper rebuilds on other cars, I haven't on a MINI before. It'd be great if someone had photos of the parts and the process.
So, is there a seal inside the caliper on the rears? I have one rear caliper that has a torn dust boot. When I push on the boot I get a bit of fluid coming out. That says to me that the internal seal isn't seating properly or is worn. MINI doesn't even sell a rebuild kit for the rear, though they sell the boot. While I've done caliper rebuilds on other cars, I haven't on a MINI before. It'd be great if someone had photos of the parts and the process.
Thanks!
I think this covers the basics...(from above)
Originally Posted by NC TRACKRAT
I've been rebuilding brake calipers for years. If the sleeves and pistons aren't scored, it's a simple matter to blow the piston out with compressed air via the bleed nipple. Keep your fingers clear and cushion the piston with a wood shim in the caliper. Relace seal, dust boot, re-install and bleed.
Um, actually that didn't answer my question at all. I've done quite a bit of searching on this site and haven't yet found a thread or blog that gives any detail about the internals for the caliper. I bought the kit, which has the dust boot, a seal, an o-ring and some other ring that someone in one thread postulated was a seal that went inside the piston, IIRC. What I am looking for is a diagram or photos of the caliper and piston and instructions on disassembly and re-assembly that are reasonably detailed. In other words, I'm trying to avoid having to reinvent the wheel.
Thanks. I hope someone here has actually taken one apart before.
There are four things in the kit. Just take apart the old one, look where things are, and put the new ones it their place. You are making this harder than it is.
Mini calipers are just like every other caliper....
yes....MINI makes a specific tool for it in their rear brake service kit. I think you could do it without it though. The old boots will pop off with a small 6" screwdriver. The tool simply presses them back on, but if you worked them back on a little at a time, it should go on fine. No piston removal required.
BTW, I grab the boot and pull it sideways I(leaving a gap in between the piston and the boot). and spray some lube in there so that the boot will not try and spin with the piston when turning it back in.
Do you know what this tool is or the part number? I need one!
Yea, no pics as of yet, most of the MINI special tools are very hard to find. I have a listing and it looks like its just the piston tool , not the tool to remove the dust gasket.
Sorry to revive an old thread but I'm not able to get the dust boot to seat on the inner edge. Is there any way to do it without taking off the piston?
Take a broad chisel or lunch and gently tap it down by the edge as you slowly work your way around the edge. Or find something round like a piece of pipe that will fit over the seal and tap it with that. The punch method will work though. Just tap a little at a time as you work around the edges don’t get it severely cocked on one side or it will possibly bend it out of shape. Sometimes you have to McGyver it when working on vehicles.
been there done that. Just be patient and give light fast taps as you go back and forth from one side to the other. You just have to get it to stick in place then you can start tapping it in place. Try some grease around the edge.
was finally able to get it on there. Its a bit crooked coz I think we hammered it a bit too much. Either that or the bit on the bottom is not completely on there. I had to ask a friend to use 2 chisels while I held the bottom of the dust boot on using small screwdrivers. Thanks for the chisels suggestion!
