This will be my first time changing the brakes on a Mini cooper is there any tips out there that will make this go as smooth as possible. Its a 2002 Mini 5speed at 93k miles. Please and thank you. if you need anymore info on the car just let me know =D

 

There is a DIY guide on this site for brakes, but the biggest thing is the rear calipers don't just push back in. They are a twist and push to the brake tool from Harbor Freight is a good investment.
Other than the rear caliper piston just normal brakes.

 

A lot of Mini shops (and other tire places) tend to over tighten the bolts so make sure you have a long braker bar and loosen the lugs before lifting the car. Mine (and a few others I've read) had issues removing the lugs (my torque wrench wouldn't even budge 6 of them). Brakes are easy to replace after that. DIY guide and a good set of tools.

EDIT: I meant to say impact wrench, not torque wrench ... oops.

 

Thanks guys and i have an air impact to take the lugs off, again thanks =D

 

Take your time. Be deliberate. Get your car up in the air on stands and solid before you start.

And do it on a day when your Mini dealer or parts supplier are open just in case something unexpected happens.

Rich

 

Great advice Rich. I would add not to force anything. And come back to NAM with questions if you run into anything that puzzles you. Sometimes just 15 minutes or a half hour away from the work allows for much clearer thinking.