I just tried changing brake pads for the first time, and I made a mistake. Now I need to find a replacement guide pin for the caliper. A local parts store found a generic version, but its not quite the same, so I'm looking for an OEM part. I haven't been able to find it anywhere. I looked at RealOEM.com, and they don't give it a part number, its difficult to track it down without a part number.

This is for the front of a 2008 Cooper-S. The Bentley manual refers to them as "ATE" brake. Here's a picture of the pin, it has a hex bolt head, and is threaded to receive a bolt (that a broken bolt stuck in the end). (This is different from the first generation version, which had a hex socket in the end.)



Also how are you supposed to lubricate the pin? I have a copy of the 2007 TIS, I thought I'd read in there you're supposed to lubricate it with engine oil, but I can't find that section when I look for it. The Bentley manual I just got doesn't say that I can find, and googling this seems to bring up a range of opinions. The gunk that was on the guide pin had about the consistency of engine oil.

 

Try http://www.realoem.com/bmw/ or you could call the dealer to get a part number.

 

I'm guessing the dealer may only want to sell it with a whole caliper - $$$!

here's the caliper pin from RockAuto
http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/rafr...0-14197-784039

 

I tried looking at RealOEM, they don't give it a part number. Only the Brake Carrier (left or right), which seems to include the guide pins, though that's not certain.

 

That looks like the generic Pin I got from the local auto parts store, not like the genuine article.

The end of the shaft is a different shape, and is all metal. In the genuine one the black bit is something soft, it feels like silicone rubber or similar. Probably helps to lubricate it.



vs

 

We can get em for you.

Also we lube them with just a little anti seize

 

Do you have a recommendation for a particular brand/product?

 

well, about 4 years ago I did the R56 caliper upgrade to my R53. Finally my rotors were at the minimum level and I was having minor vibrations from up front.

I pulled off the calipers, swapped the pads and rotors... and then I decided to lube the guide pins. The top ones came out fine (solid metal ones) the bottom ones were siezed in.

Finally after much work I was able to remove them without physically damaging or marring them, however, the silicone tips had swelled.

It appears when the shop installed them for me so may years ago, they used a petrolium based grease, causing them to seize up.

Long story short, if this happens to you... your screwed, the OEM guide pins are NOT available unless you buy the carrier with them. I have called ATE directly in Germany and could not get resolution to get them seperate, so I have eaten the $130.00 per side cost and bought the new assemblies.

I have to say I love my R53 and I know its not anyone but the shop I used fault... but why the hell arn't these guide pins available? it doesn't make sense... just BS.

 

well, after further searches, I came up with a bit more positive data. I found what appears to be virtually identical caliper pins at Advance Auto Parts

http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/buy...rt-h14176.html

or if you simply need the rubber bushing(s) like I did, then you should be able to get away with

http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/web...oot#fragment-2

or

http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/web...dSearch=372303

 

That looks like the generic pin which isn't identical enough for my liking. Its not got the silicone bit on the bottom.

I ended up getting the entire mount replaced for other reasons.

 

I'm curious if anyone has used the generic parts from Advance auto with success. I'm trying to lube the pins on the front caliper, the bottom was seized. Now it turns, but still having trouble moving it in or out. What a bugger.

 

Man am I glad I found this thread. I too changed pads and rotors and the bottom pin was seized up but only because the rubber sleeve had worn or elongated or whatever.

I did find a set of pins on Rock Auto but they didnt come with the rubber sleeves. The dealer was no help. I would have had to buy the whole carrier just to get new pins.

The first link you shared for bushings and boots is correct. Went to Advance, they had them in stock, paid 2.99 and BAM I'm good to go. I did cut about 2mm off the new rubber sleeves because they just wanted to bunch up when sliding the pin in and then wouldn't move freely. Good to go.

 

I know this is an old post, but I found R56 slider pin kits on ebay: http://www.ebay.ca/itm/MINI-COOPER-S...-/331560317071

 

My bottom slide pins are stuck inside the caliper carrier bracket too. Not sure why the bottom slide pin is different than the top with that piece of rubber at the end that swells.

Why is everything so difficult to do on the MINI?

 

I use carlson 16161 pin boot kit for my mini cooper 2013, thank you