My brakes are starting to squeak, so I'm going to go ahead and replace them both out of foreword maintenence and to try to upgrade from the OEM brakes. My question is: what kind of brake pads are favoured on the MINIs? I've heard both EBC Green pads and some sort of ceramic pads are both commonly used, but I wanted to make sure I have my information right before I go out and purchase pads. I'm looking preferably for a bit higher performance than OEM pads, but also minimal brake dust. The OEM pads dust more than a desert sandstorm!

Also, to perform the service myself, will I need anything more than "standard" tools; i.e. socket set, screwdrivers, jack, etc. etc., and how hard is the service? I've done things like oil changes and such on my own, as well as clutch cylinder work, so I'm not completely mechanically mis-minded, I just want to make sure I don't end up with a wheel off and a caliper taken apart to find out I don't have the right tools or knowhow!

 

^^^ My boyfriend just changed mine whilst I watched and learned. It did not appear difficult (although it was occasionally frustrating), but then he's changed brakes before.

If you search (the forum) for brake replacement DIY, there's a great write-up on both front and rears, which is what Leif used for guidance. As far as special tools, you need something to retract the piston - either a caliper tool or, as was recommended to me, a C-Clamp. Leif used the C-Clamp (taped the rotating "foot" part so that it didn't spin independently of the screw) and it worked fine.



We did find that, while a 4" clamp worked with a board for the front calipers, it was too small for the rears. probably a 6 or 7" would be better. As it was the hardware store only had 4" or 8", so I'm now the proud new owner of a giganto taped-up C-clamp

(Ironically, all the MINI-specific tools [all 2] I've purcahased thus far have been enormous: like the 36mm socket on 1/2" drive and now the Monster Clamp )

I can honestly say that I would feel comfortable taking the lead on the next replacement, though I think I'd still want Leif there to double check me, but then I live in terminal fear of breaking my car. And for reference, I have quite limited mechanical abilities -- basic maintenance, oil changes, intake cleaning, etc.

 

Go with the EBC Green pads. They work great and the "dusting" is low and very easy to clean off. Better brakes and low dust...it's a good thing when you have white wheels.

 

I'd also recommend the EBC Greenstuff, and agree that the dust is easier to clean off the rims than the stock pads, but they are far from "low dust" (although my white rims show every bit of it!).

MC2 (the magazine) had a great DIY in the last issue. The DIY write up you'll find here on NAM is also excellent. It lists the special tools you'll need (torx socket, for example).

Easy project, IMHO!

 

What about MINTEX Red Box?
I have seen vendors say they are low dust and they cost about half of the EBC Green.
Anyone have a comparison? Dust? Performance?