Maybe not the right place to ask but...... Fixing to replace the brakes on my 05 mc and found the correct pad sensor for the rear after a visual matching. The front however doesen't appear to have any. I find the abs sensor and the obvious brake line but no sensor. It's an early 05 and has a few odd differences from later ones like the not square air filter and a couple other things. Am I crazy or is there not supposed to be one?

 

Front rotors are always bigger than rear on the Mini. Most of your stopping power is supplied to the front.
The Zimmerman's have a coating on them which reduces rusting.

 

The coating has been long gone, they were a solid grey when I opened the box and have now changed to silver. I've also noticed that the rear before I gave Molly a bath were a Gold Tinted Color, but soon changed to silver after driving a bit. I did use Griot's Foam Wheel Cleaner so maybe that did it.

 

Possibly, some cleaners can cause discoloration.

 

…I am back to doing the brakes again, the Zimmermann rotors are warped, find it hard to believe these rotors get such praise, thinking about going back to OEM. No AutoXs or track days on these brakes, btw just city and hwy driving…Wheels torqued to spec and pads properly bed…They have been wrapped for awhile too.

Any other suggestions?

Thnx

 

Just replaced the front pads for the second time with CarboTech X-10's. Good product but there customer service sucks. Both times they have sent the wrong product. I always ask for them to be cut so I can use the brake sensor. Both times they came without. First ones I sent back. These I was able to machine out at my buddies shop or they would have went back. Since I am using the same pads which I have them pre-bedded I am not turning the stock JCW rotors. Everything is smooth no vibration. I measured them and they are still within spec but the rotors will need to be replaced next time. I will go with slotted aftermarket units next time. About $100 each. Cross drilled is all about show. No one uses them at the track because they are weaker when they get hot and can break. Swapping them out is pretty easy as it is only 1 bolt.

 

^ Carbotechs are nice, I run them on my track car, they tend to be less abrasive than the Hawks or other track pads. Only issue is the squeaking. I can research this, but a JCW rotor would be to large for MCS no JCW correct? NM answered my own question.

I agree, would never do cross drilled, slotted for sure. What after marked brands do you like for rotors?

 

Still like my centric premium rotors....they're lasting a long time with my stoptech street pads. I have a set of JCW calipers and larger centric rotors to put on but these just won't die.

It's very rare for rotors to warp. It's more likely an uneven transfer layer. If you catch it soon enough you can just rebed the pads and be good to go.

- andy

 

I changed the pads and rotors about 6 months ago with Centric Premium rotors and EBC greenstuff and I really like the combination. It might be a little softer feel than stock though, but for me it's not a large issue, there is still good initial bite. They are the 125 series - high carbon with the e-coating. In total pads and rotors cost about $350 so it was a great deal in my mind

 

Will get the rotors turned down slightly and bed them in again, granted the EBCs look ok. Plan B new rotors either the Centrics, or OEM Thnx!

 

Perhaps someone can educate me with respect to this rotor selection issue. If the car is used primarily as a daily driver with plain (non slotted or drilled) rotors what is the difference between brands? I always thought that a brake rotor was nothing more than a cast iron heat sink used to dissipate the heat from slowing/stopping the car. Is there that much difference in the quality of cast iron and/or machining between brands? My observation has been that most brands of brake rotors are from CHINA anyway due to the environmental impact associated with cast iron plants. Thanks in advance.

 

There is a quality issue in terms of castings, gray iron content, tolerances, heat loads, thermal cycles, corrosion prevention. You do get what you pay for. Most rotors are made overseas now (China), even many name brands. Not everything is junk, but you get what you pay for.

For a DD a name brand, middle of the road unit is fine.

 

I'm running Centric rotors on one of our cars. No problems with them.

 

See comment #28...definitely my Brake Rotor of choice.. long term!! It's crucial in the PNW to have confidence in your vehicles braking system, I do with the Akebono Rotors.

 

Are you using Akebono Rotors all around or just on the rears, OR did you mean Akebono pads?
I am going to be in Coeur D'alene so I don't want any problems.

 

I'm using Zimmermann Brake Rotors and Akebono EuroCeramic Brake Pads all the way around...my OBC is telling me I still have 10,000mi. left on the Front and something like 23,000mi. on the Rear before I will need to replace them, but when I do it will be the exact same set up. They still feel very confident on the roads and no issues at all.

 

Great, I will be doing the same, thanks.