New rear disks and pads binding - is this normal?

[oldnell]

Sorry to hear that, Joy_MCS. Do some research on here. If your car's under warranty you're sorted. If it's low mileage, push like crazy for a goodwill payment from BMW.

In the meantime, don't try to drive it.

Oli

[Joy_MCS]

Thanks oldnell. Just spent an hour or so looking at a selection of posts on here and pretty sure that it's either the power steering pump, or the pump and loom. Unfortunately the car is out of warranty, and as it's low milage (23K now) BMW paid for the caliper above. Not sure if they will be too keen to stump up for a pump as well, but I'll give my dealer a ring tomorrow as it won't hurt to ask. Incidently, I found an excellent post from richg40 (sorry, I've copied the text but not made a note of the thread) explaining how to change the pump, so if I can't get any financial assistance I'll go down the DIY route.

[Buz999]

There was a step by step picture guide on how to change a power steering pump a few months ago in Modern Mini.
Looked easy enough, good luck Joy.

[oldnell]

That's probably a good approach if you have the ability to go down the DIY route, as your dealer will know they'll be getting nothing unless they get a decent goodwill payment from BMW. With only 23000 miles, I'd think you should be paying a small percentage of the cost.

Oli

[Joy_MCS]

The issue was diagnosed as just being a power steering pump failure, and I'm pleased to say that BMW have contributed to the cost. I ended up paying £75 and received excellent service. It might just be my imagination, but the steering feel seems to have improved - it felt slightly vague at times towards the end of life of the old pump. Also, the pump doesn't seem to make that disconcerting whining sound at the moment - hope it stays that way!

[oldnell]

That's great, Joy. My new pump also didn't make any significant whine, whereas the old one did from the day I picked up the car new.

However, my perception was that the car felt exactly as it did on the day after replacement as it did the day before it failed.

Cheers

Oli

[Andy_D2000]

Hi All,

Had my caliper replaced 3 months ago by an independant garage as they advised that this was what was causing the noises I was getting when driving.

Anyway, my mini went back to the same garage on the 20th Jan 09 as my brake pad indicator came on.

They replaced the back padds and advised me that the caliper (the one they replaced) was binding and that they would replace it, which they did but that too was binding. After another caliper was tried they brought in an 'official BMW part' and it has made a little difference but it still does not turn as easy as the near side.

I was not happy at this point (as they had my car 2 days) so they called Mini and arranged for a Mini technician to look at it (this involved a drive to MINI) and the they confirmed that the binding in normal after new brakes and after 500 miles it should run smoother.

Is this the case? or have I been fobbed off?

It cant do the parts any good and performance and petrol must take a hit somewhere too.

The only bonus was that I got all the brake work done for free including parts as I said the caliper they fitted more than likely wore the brakes faster.

Apologies for the long post but its been a long two days!!! Any advice would be much appreciated,

Andy,