How to Change MINI Brake Pads

The MINI was originally conceived by the British Motor Corporation (BMC) in 1959 and continued in production until 2000. The new MINI is manufactured by BMW and was introduced in 2001. The MINI comes as a hardtop coupe with frame-less window glass in the doors, creating a more open feel. The MINI also comes as a convertible coupe, Clubman wagon or a Countryman SUV. All MINIs come standard with four-wheel disc brakes that are more resistant to fade than drum brakes. When the lining wears down on the disc brake pads, they should be replaced to avoid rotor damage and restore stopping power.

Instructions

1

Loosen, but do not remove, the wheel lug nuts with a lug wrench on the corner of the car you want to start with. Chock the remaining wheels. Place a scissor jack under the jacking point and turn the handle to raise the wheel off of the ground slightly. Place a jack stand under the lower suspension control arm. Lower the jack so that the control arm is resting on the jack stand. Finish removing the lug nuts then remove the wheel.

2

Pull the brake wear sensor connector (if so equipped) straight out of the front of the caliper in between the brake pad and the rotor. Lift the flexible brake line from its mounting bracket on the upper suspension control arm and push it aside so that it is not stretched when the caliper is rotated away from the rotor.

3

Remove the lower brake caliper retaining bolt with a wrench. Lift the brake caliper and rotate it upwards. Pull both of the brake pads straight out of the caliper directly away from the rotor. Pry the pads loose with a flat head screwdriver if necessary. Discard the old pads.

4

Open the hood and remove the brake master cylinder cap. Place a C-clamp onto the caliper that you just removed the pads from and tighten it so the piston withdraws into the caliper housing. Remove the clamp.

5

Insert new pads into the caliper with the lining on each facing inward. Rotate the caliper back down over the rotor. Replace the caliper retaining bolt and tighten it. Push the brake line back into its bracket. Push the brake sensor back into place on the caliper (if so equipped).

6

Remount the wheel and tighten the lug nuts. Raise the car with the scissor jack and remove the jack stand. Lower the car and tighten the lug nuts once again in a criss-cross pattern.

7

Repeat the entire procedure for each wheel that needs brake service. Observe the level of the brake fluid in the master cylinder. Remove any excess fluid with a syringe to bring the level back down to the "Full" mark. Replace the master cylinder cap and close the hood. Pump the brake pedal several times to seat the new pads before driving your MINI.