8 replies to this topic

[MiniJimNI]

Looking to replace the brakes on my mini as part of my project but want to know am I best sticking with original drum brakes or upgrading to disks all round?

Cheers

[JustSteve]

Looking to replace the brakes on my mini as part of my project but want to know am I best sticking with original drum brakes or upgrading to disks all round?

Cheers

 

no mini's had drums on the back as standard. they arent necessary as the drums have more than enough power to lock wheels with the stickiest of tires.  a few kits have been made however but thats to reduce weight.

 

 

disks on the front are a must IMO. this is the 21st century and cars travel much faster and everybody around you has good breaks too.   

 

 

drums (on the front) are okay at low speeds but at high speeds they heat up and loose braking power... not good!

[richw911]

Discs up front drums on the rear you can get rear discs but there really is no need as most of the braking us done by the fronts.

 

Standard 8.4 or 7.5 will be ideal as the mini is light weight no need for a servo either to be honest but thats just a matter of personal choice.

Edited by richw911, 19 May 2013 - 11:25 AM.

[AVV IT]

The other big advantage with front discs is that unlike drums, you loose the need to keep forever adjusting them. Obviously you will still need to adjust the rears, but as they don't do the majority of the braking' then they don't need the majority of the adjustment either.

[lrostoke]

ran with drums on mine for must be 4 yrs daily driver all types of roads short and long distances..properly maintained they work a treat.

 

But that's the draw back with them you do need to adjust them to get the best performance.

 

I'm now on 7.5 discs up front but that was purely because I got given a set of 8.4" and a free 7.5" conversion kit.

[mini=love]

Depends how your driving your mini and how much maintenance you want to do. But if your buying a new brake set up, go for disks and stick with drums on the rear.

[Tamworthbay]

My first mini had all round drums. It was truly scary at times. They only seemed to stay adjusted for about a week and for a spirited 17 yr old they weren't up to the job. 8.4 discs and Mintex 1144 pads combined with A048rs are the best combination I have found for a mini.

[Ethel]

All the above,

 

Also, discs give the front an extra inch of tracking, you should fit spacers, or drums with built in spacers to the rear as well. You'll need 7.5" discs (or one of the after market work arounds*) if you are running 10" wheels & want to keep them.

 

*Fiesta conversion or 8.4" discs turned down to 7.9" with Minisport calipers.

[sonikk4]

I have just converted my Clubby from front drums to 7.5" discs. A world of difference, much more confidence in the cars braking ability.