32 replies to this topic

[Clip]

I need to replace front pads (7.5 discs), rear shoes, brake lines and rear drums (plus springs and adjusters). What are your thoughts on using the following alternatives:

front pads with Greenstuff,

braided lines all around,

alloy finned rear drums.

Or just stick with bog standard items, or any other suggestions very welcome.

Not a great deal of difference in price so not concerned about that.

 

I do push the mini and enjoy spirited drives, but also use it as a town run about. 

Thanks folks. 

[Clip]

Just found thread on the front pads and consensus seems to be Mintex 1144s for my use, but minispares lists them as competition only pads- not for road use!?

Edited by Clip, 30 January 2023 - 02:06 AM.

[sonikk4]

Finned drums not needed as the front do the majority of the braking anyway.

[Clip]

Finned drums not needed as the front do the majority of the braking 

Thanks, weight saving probably not worth it either

Edited by Clip, 30 January 2023 - 02:49 AM.

[timmy850]

If you’re going to the hassle of changing the rear rubber lines I’d probably put in some new wheel cylinders while you’re at it (unless they’re new). The new rear shoe springs and adjusting wedges are cheap and easy to replace while it’s all apart.

I have the green stuff pads and haven’t been too keen on them

The “race” pads tend to work better with heat in the brakes, so from cold they can be a bit harder to stop

[Clip]

Yep, everything being replaced although wasn’t going to worry about rear wheel cylinders as they’re only 3 years old, but for the price of them, I might as well do them too. 
What front pads will you try next Tim? 

Edited by Clip, 30 January 2023 - 04:21 AM.

[timmy850]

Yep, everything being replaced although wasn’t going to worry about rear wheel cylinders as they’re only 3 years old, but for the price of them, I might as well do them too.
What front pads will you try next Tim?

I have some “Race Brakes” road compound pads that came with my disc brake kit and are already bed in. I figured they were worth a go as I’ve got them. Otherwise I’ll try a Mintex set I think

[croc7]

Calver wrote a comprehensive article on brakes-a search on the internet for it will shed light on your choice for brake pad material. Reading it helped me decide which to buy/install based on the type of driving that I did on a daily basis. Do I need ‘competition’ brake pads? Nope, just ones that stopped the car when cold, didn’t abrade the brake disc and were reasonably dust free.

[unburntfuelinthemorning]

You need to be honest about how you use your brakes to make a wise selection of pad material.  If you regularly brake hard enough to be on the verge of locking up when braking from high speed then an uprated pad is probably a good thing.  If like most people you rarely or never do that then a standard pad is perfectly acceptable, cheaper, and will work when cold the best.

 

Braided hoses should give you a marginally better pedal feel and look nice but it makes it more of a pain to work on the brakes as you can't pinch them off with hose clamps.

 

Alloy drums should give slightly better wheel control on the rear due to improving the unsprung weight and they look nice but whether that's worth the extra cost you'll have to decide.  You won't get better braking with them as the rears never overheat anyway.

 

A 7.5" setup is perfectly good for most situations on the road in standard condition as long as it is maintained properly including renewing the brake fluid every two years or so.  

[Midas Mk1]

m1144's for me, all year round.

[andyapanel]

Braided hoses may cause your insurance to rise.

Having fitted them, I am not convinced they are worth it for my style of driving.

Which ever way you go, good luck

[Avtovaz]

dotn bother with those green stuff pads etc, they are no good. dont forget to get some good brake fluid, get ate 200, not expensive and really good. Another one for mintex 1144 too

[unburntfuelinthemorning]

My mate uses EBC Greenstuff pads on his Mini.  He's used them for years and uses the brakes hard regularly and he sees no need to change to anything else.  No fading, work well hot and cold.  I know many on here don't like them but I know my mate and how he drives and if he says they are good then they are good.  I don't know what others are doing with them, they work fine.  

[Clip]

See now I’m really confused, I’ll have to try and find that article. I’d go with the M’s but just afraid about cold performance and as I use the mini as regular driver, the brakes have to work off the bat too. Hmmm, what to do?

[nicklouse]

See now I’m really confused, I’ll have to try and find that article. I’d go with the M’s but just afraid about cold performance and as I use the mini as regular driver, the brakes have to work off the bat too. Hmmm, what to do?

https://www.calverst...technical-info/