MINI2

mattw · Nov 17th, 2005, 07:32 PM

Has anyone else experienced problems with rear brake pads wearing out before fronts?
I have an 02 Cooper S thats done 26k miles, on Monday the brake warning light came on.
I took it to a mechanic mate of mine and the problem is the rear brake pads. The front ones are worn but still have plenty left on them.

I am no expert but that sounds strange. I have not been using the handbrake to stop or anything like that so I am a bit confused.
I am thinking of taking it back to the dealership and getting them to look at it.

Any advice appreciated

dukesantos · Nov 17th, 2005, 08:48 PM

That's unusual in my experience. Even doing autocross and track days, I have never had the rear pads go first. I suspect there is some imbalance in the system, probably only the dealer could find it given the various electronics in the braking system.

Lohen · Nov 17th, 2005, 09:09 PM

I have seen it happen before on a few MINIs, so your not the only one. Its happened to our show car early on when it was running standard brakes. Now there doesn't seem to be a problem.

Nick@Lohen

Rakey · Nov 17th, 2005, 09:10 PM

http://www.mini2.com/forum/showthrea...e+pads+f abio

I'm sure there are other threads if you use the search function like I did to find this one

MINI-Morgan · Nov 18th, 2005, 09:42 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by mattw

Has anyone else experienced problems with rear brake pads wearing out before fronts?
I have an 02 Cooper S thats done 26k miles, on Monday the brake warning light came on.
I took it to a mechanic mate of mine and the problem is the rear brake pads. The front ones are worn but still have plenty left on them.

I am no expert but that sounds strange. I have not been using the handbrake to stop or anything like that so I am a bit confused.
I am thinking of taking it back to the dealership and getting them to look at it.

Any advice appreciated

Its very common im afraid.

When reading the other thread dont believe everything you read...some people just seem to post complete rubbish sometimes.

There is quite alot of rear brake bias compared to other cars on the market. I believe its 65% Front & 35% Rear. This is a good thing unless you stamp on the brakes mid corner but anyone braking in a corner is a danger to themselves anyway. But since this isnt a Ford Fiesta with tiny little tyres, the Mini can cope with the increased rear bias and in a emergency you'll stop quicker. Just hope its not a white van man behind you though!

Is your car lowered by the way??

MINI-Morgan · Nov 18th, 2005, 09:42 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by Rakey

http://www.mini2.com/forum/showthrea...e+pads+f abio

I'm sure there are other threads if you use the search function like I did to find this one

LOL! Cheeky!

mattw · Nov 18th, 2005, 05:33 PM

Thanks to all who responded.
I had them replaced today and sure enough the dealership told me 'this is normal' (still not completely convinced!)
Cheers for pointing out the search Rakey ;o) I had tried it I promise but I searched on 'back brake pads' for some reason?! newbies, tut.

pignog · Jan 4th, 2006, 11:46 AM

Yes, my brake pad light came on my 03 S, and I assumed it would be the front pads, but it was the rears!

justbob · Jan 10th, 2006, 12:44 AM

I had my MCS into the dealer for an oil change at just over 30,000 miles, and the head of the service department actually called me to ask if I'd done anything unusual, as the rear pads needed to be changed and the fronts were fine. I didn't ask, but it seemed like it was an unusual situation to him.

I have to admit that I use my handbrake much more than I have in other cars, for some of those tight situations (cornering/turning in rain, snow, consticted areas), but I can't see it causing that much more wear.

Sounds like the increased rear bias is the answer. Anyone else?

pocketrocketowner · Jan 10th, 2006, 05:08 PM

I have had that experience myself though due to the main use of my car, am looking at pads ALL the fecking time. I would posit the MINI has a different pad wear characteristic than most cars (I am guessing "spirited driving" adds to it) but I don't find it is necessarily wrong or a defect. It is what it is.....

Mike Edwards · Jan 10th, 2006, 05:36 PM

Jack the rear of your car up and see if the parking brake is dragging...

MINI-Morgan · Jan 10th, 2006, 06:35 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by pocketrocketowner

I have had that experience myself though due to the main use of my car, am looking at pads ALL the fecking time. I would posit the MINI has a different pad wear characteristic than most cars (I am guessing "spirited driving" adds to it) but I don't find it is necessarily wrong or a defect. It is what it is.....

Its seems that most Mini owners in the UK stamp on their braeaks anyway.

Kissato · Jan 16th, 2006, 08:50 PM

That hapend to me to... My rear brakes had gone 1 st than the front ones

I don't no the reason for that...

By the way i have found a great replacements to the OEM breake pads better than the EBC they are called PAGID and all so much cheaper.

Check my signature

shazam · Jan 16th, 2006, 10:12 PM

I think the problem is the rear brakes stickinig a little.

I have noticed the pads smelling hot even on a gentle drive, and the rear wheels dont spin very easily when jacked up.

S

frylock · Jan 17th, 2006, 12:19 AM

This is actually fairly common. The parking brake only engages the rear brakes on most cars. If the pads are hot when you park, they may stick to the rotors. The solution is to not set the parking brake after 'spirited driving.'

shazam · Jan 17th, 2006, 09:43 PM

You're right I always forget to do this.

Nov 17th, 2005, 07:32 PM	#1
mattw MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Manchester Local Time: 09:26 PM Posts: 4 Offline	Rear brake pads worn out before front?! Has anyone else experienced problems with rear brake pads wearing out before fronts? I have an 02 Cooper S thats done 26k miles, on Monday the brake warning light came on. I took it to a mechanic mate of mine and the problem is the rear brake pads. The front ones are worn but still have plenty left on them. I am no expert but that sounds strange. I have not been using the handbrake to stop or anything like that so I am a bit confused. I am thinking of taking it back to the dealership and getting them to look at it. Any advice appreciated

Nov 17th, 2005, 09:09 PM	#3 (permalink)
Lohen New Mini Specialists Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Staffordshire, UK Local Time: 09:26 PM Posts: 802 Offline	I have seen it happen before on a few MINIs, so your not the only one. Its happened to our show car early on when it was running standard brakes. Now there doesn't seem to be a problem. Nick@Lohen New MINI Specialists www.lohen.co.uk

Nov 17th, 2005, 09:10 PM	#4 (permalink)
Rakey knowing me, knowing you My Classifieds Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Norwich Local Time: 09:26 PM Posts: 50,610 Offline	http://www.mini2.com/forum/showthrea...e+pads+f abio I'm sure there are other threads if you use the search function like I did to find this one Its only a forum you know!

Nov 18th, 2005, 09:42 AM	#5 (permalink)
MINI-Morgan MINI Obsessed... My Classifieds Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Southampton, Hants Local Time: 09:26 PM Posts: 4,651 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by mattw Has anyone else experienced problems with rear brake pads wearing out before fronts? I have an 02 Cooper S thats done 26k miles, on Monday the brake warning light came on. I took it to a mechanic mate of mine and the problem is the rear brake pads. The front ones are worn but still have plenty left on them. I am no expert but that sounds strange. I have not been using the handbrake to stop or anything like that so I am a bit confused. I am thinking of taking it back to the dealership and getting them to look at it. Any advice appreciated Its very common im afraid. When reading the other thread dont believe everything you read...some people just seem to post complete rubbish sometimes. There is quite alot of rear brake bias compared to other cars on the market. I believe its 65% Front & 35% Rear. This is a good thing unless you stamp on the brakes mid corner but anyone braking in a corner is a danger to themselves anyway. But since this isnt a Ford Fiesta with tiny little tyres, the Mini can cope with the increased rear bias and in a emergency you'll stop quicker. Just hope its not a white van man behind you though! Is your car lowered by the way?? One Man, One Project......find out what happens next at MINIProject.co.uk For MINIs in the south it can only be South Coast New MINI Club

Nov 18th, 2005, 09:42 AM	#6 (permalink)
MINI-Morgan MINI Obsessed... My Classifieds Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Southampton, Hants Local Time: 09:26 PM Posts: 4,651 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by Rakey http://www.mini2.com/forum/showthrea...e+pads+f abio I'm sure there are other threads if you use the search function like I did to find this one LOL! Cheeky! One Man, One Project......find out what happens next at MINIProject.co.uk For MINIs in the south it can only be South Coast New MINI Club

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Nov 17th, 2005, 08:48 PM	#2 (permalink)
dukesantos Moderator Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Viva Las Vegas Local Time: 01:26 PM Posts: 742 Offline	That's unusual in my experience. Even doing autocross and track days, I have never had the rear pads go first. I suspect there is some imbalance in the system, probably only the dealer could find it given the various electronics in the braking system.

Nov 18th, 2005, 05:33 PM	#7 (permalink)
mattw MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Manchester Local Time: 09:26 PM Posts: 4 Offline	Thanks all Thanks to all who responded. I had them replaced today and sure enough the dealership told me 'this is normal' (still not completely convinced!) Cheers for pointing out the search Rakey ;o) I had tried it I promise but I searched on 'back brake pads' for some reason?! newbies, tut.

Jan 4th, 2006, 11:46 AM	#8 (permalink)
pignog MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: derbyshire Local Time: 09:26 PM Posts: 5 Offline	Rear pads on Cooper S Yes, my brake pad light came on my 03 S, and I assumed it would be the front pads, but it was the rears!

Jan 10th, 2006, 12:44 AM	#9 (permalink)
justbob MINI2 Senior Join Date: Sep 2004 Local Time: 03:26 PM Posts: 694 Offline	I had my MCS into the dealer for an oil change at just over 30,000 miles, and the head of the service department actually called me to ask if I'd done anything unusual, as the rear pads needed to be changed and the fronts were fine. I didn't ask, but it seemed like it was an unusual situation to him. I have to admit that I use my handbrake much more than I have in other cars, for some of those tight situations (cornering/turning in rain, snow, consticted areas), but I can't see it causing that much more wear. Sounds like the increased rear bias is the answer. Anyone else?

Jan 10th, 2006, 05:08 PM	#10 (permalink)
pocketrocketowner Best Personal Regards Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Ile de Vaux, France Local Time: 09:26 PM Posts: 2,037 Offline	I have had that experience myself though due to the main use of my car, am looking at pads ALL the fecking time. I would posit the MINI has a different pad wear characteristic than most cars (I am guessing "spirited driving" adds to it) but I don't find it is necessarily wrong or a defect. It is what it is.....

Jan 10th, 2006, 05:36 PM	#11 (permalink)
Mike Edwards MINI2 Master My Classifieds Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Herefordshire Local Time: 09:26 PM Posts: 795 Offline	Jack the rear of your car up and see if the parking brake is dragging...

Jan 10th, 2006, 06:35 PM	#12 (permalink)
MINI-Morgan MINI Obsessed... My Classifieds Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Southampton, Hants Local Time: 09:26 PM Posts: 4,651 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by pocketrocketowner I have had that experience myself though due to the main use of my car, am looking at pads ALL the fecking time. I would posit the MINI has a different pad wear characteristic than most cars (I am guessing "spirited driving" adds to it) but I don't find it is necessarily wrong or a defect. It is what it is..... Its seems that most Mini owners in the UK stamp on their braeaks anyway. One Man, One Project......find out what happens next at MINIProject.co.uk For MINIs in the south it can only be South Coast New MINI Club

Jan 16th, 2006, 08:50 PM	#13 (permalink)
Kissato MINI2 crazy scientist Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Maia Local Time: 08:26 PM Posts: 121 Offline	That hapend to me to... My rear brakes had gone 1 st than the front ones I don't no the reason for that... By the way i have found a great replacements to the OEM breake pads better than the EBC they are called PAGID and all so much cheaper. Check my signature Looking for pads check my ebay: http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/BMW-MINI-REAR-...c mdZViewItem

Jan 16th, 2006, 10:12 PM	#14 (permalink)
shazam MINI2 Senior My Classifieds Join Date: Feb 2004 Local Time: 09:26 PM Posts: 416 Offline	I think the problem is the rear brakes stickinig a little. I have noticed the pads smelling hot even on a gentle drive, and the rear wheels dont spin very easily when jacked up. S

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Jan 17th, 2006, 12:19 AM	#15 (permalink)
frylock MINI2 Regular Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Iowa Local Time: 02:26 PM Posts: 153 Offline	This is actually fairly common. The parking brake only engages the rear brakes on most cars. If the pads are hot when you park, they may stick to the rotors. The solution is to not set the parking brake after 'spirited driving.'

Jan 17th, 2006, 09:43 PM	#16 (permalink)
shazam MINI2 Senior My Classifieds Join Date: Feb 2004 Local Time: 09:26 PM Posts: 416 Offline	You're right I always forget to do this.

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