I've got what sounds like a brake pad wear indicator just starting to make itself known in the rear.

I'm on my original pads in my 06 MCS 55000 mi. I thought all minis have electronic indicators (I really should open my owners manual)? Do I even have old fashion wear indicators to make this noise? I normally change pads myself but if its another issue I'm not sure I'll see it.

When I just had my snow tires put on, I asked them to take a look. They did and advised I go to a brake shop. Should I just put in new pads and if that doesn't fix the problem buy rotors? How do I know if I have warped rotors or if it's something else?

I was also thinking about switching to ceramic pads. I was going to order Akebono Euro Ceramic Pads ($136 for all 4)on tire rack but they're special order and it looks like I wouldn't get them for at least couple weeks. Advanced auto sells "IMC" pads but they were only ($74 for all 4). I don't want to cheap out on something as important as breaking. (I'm also not looking to spend ridicouls money on brake pads.) Local parts stores don't carry mini pads. Oh and my local dealership service department (New Country in Hartford) didn't return my phone call or email (Dec 4th) so I'm not going to them.

I want to replace the pads new-years weekend? (and will be doing minimal driving until then) Any advice on what pads to get and how to get them?

 

There is a wear sensor on your front left inside pad and the rear right inside pad. Most time you need to change the rotors with pads but you might be OK to do just pads. There's a few DIY threads about brakes on NAM to help you at home. If the light on the dash didn't go off you have not hit the bare min but might be close.

Fronts https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...beginners.html

Rears https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...beginners.html

 

The wear indicator has a wire enclosed in a plastic sheath that is embedded in the brake pad. You may hear a squeak as the plastic wears out. Then when the wire is gone, the brake indicator light will come on.

 

I really should open my owners manual

yep .... U should


I mean ... heck ... breaking vs braking .... don't matter does it?

K-Mart has an auto section and will fix ur breaks

 

I've replaced pads in my previous cars and never needed to replace discs. (92 Celica & 84 Audi) Both had at least 150,000mi on what I believe to be the original rotors. Do "modern" discs just wear out MUCH faster?

 

In my defense I did run through it 4 years ago when I bought the car but yes I'm being lazying and not running out in the cold to check to see if it explains how the break wear indicator works.

 

Yes the rotors on modern stuff do wear more than older cars.The materials used in the pads are also more abrasive than they were previously.The benefit is having brakes that work at 80mph in the rain, You don't have that butt puckering 1-2sec. delay before they start to bite.If you are a normally a light braker the rotors may not be worn too badly.You can measure the thickness of the rotor and see if they are still in spec. and if you don't have any vibe when stopping and the swept area is not grooved you could get away with throwing a set of pads at it.The rotors aren't terribly expensive and are easy to install so if you are in doubt about the condition go ahead and replace them. Keep in mind that the manufacturers spend alot of time on getting the desired performance characteristics in their brake systems and many times the stock stuff is what works best for most people.