Well, I have 65K on my fronts rotors and 95K on the rears. It is time for a bunch of maintenance on the Mini, and I have secured new "upgrade" rotors, pads, SS lines and caliper seals. Mini recommends replacing caliper guide pins during brake rebuilds. Is it routine for you guys to replace these? I would assume if I were to take the car to Midas or another brake shop they would not replace. They are $35 per each from Mini, pricey enough, and the new dealer in Knoxville said that was per each, not per axle. Do they come with the rubber bushings? Would replacing the bushings suffice?
I am thinking it might be as cheap to get the bronze stiffeners and install them, but I saw a thread that left me with the impression that they were higher maintenance (may be worth it, I R&R my own tires & pads so I can inspect)
So a few general pointers for caliper guide pins would be appreciated. There is a great DIY on them on the forum, so I do not need instructions on installing, unless the DIY has some errors.
Thanks for your input!

Actually I just found bushings for sale as separate items. Great for me. Now the question is simply, is is customary to replace the guides?

 

If you are comfortable servicing the guide pins by all means get those as they really are a great mod. They really will "tighten"up the braking. I service mine twice a year with my tire/wheel change. Takes all of maybe an additional 10 mins.

 

Philip, where did you see "Mini recommends replacing caliper guide pins during brake rebuilds." Unless I missed it, I didn't see it listed in the Bentley manual. Just asking since I serviced my brakes last year and didn't replace those guide pins. I wonder what the point is in replacing them. Lubricating them properly, I don't see them as a big wear item. Thanks

 

Keep them lubricated and keep the seals/bellows free of cracks or holes and he pins will last a long, long time.

Proper lube in my book is using a very high moly content grease or paste. Not he typical stuff in the 3 percent range, but in the 40 to 60% range. Honda makes such a paste that is perfect. It's a light paste, not heavy and sticky, and has a moly content of 40+ percent. It's available at any Honda motorcycle parts counter under the name of "Moly 60". It's used to lubricate the drive splines on shaft drive bikes which see tremendous loads and is therefore perfect for lubing the pins. Thoroughly clean out the hole (Q-Tips and rubbing alcohol), blow them dry, then with a small stick or something, lightly coat the inside of the hole with the Moly 60. Doesn't take much. Then do the same to the pins and assemble. Using t he Moly 60 will, for all intents and purposes, prevent any wear.

 

Sorry for the delay, have been out for awhile. I have a Haynes manual, says to replace. No biggy, if I only replace every 100K. Would suck to do it more often.

Thanks for the input guys.