Palo Alto, CA- Auto Repair Shop Specializes in Mini Cooper Brake Repair Services

Brake Fluid Reservoir, Master Cylinder, & Hoses

To begin any brake service, we check the brake fluid reservoir and master cylinder. When the master cylinder seals go beyond their service limit, there will be leaks. 

Brake lines are metal until reaching the vicinity of the wheels. From there to the calipers, they are rubber. Metal lines can rust, and rubber lines can dry rot. They should be replaced before they leak.

Check Brake Pads

Brake pads are half of the team that creates friction force to slow your Mini. Caliper pistons press the pads against rotors to change the energy of motion to heat energy. The average driver’s brake pads last 30-50,000 miles. You can change this one way or another by how you drive.

When the brake pads reach the factory-specified wear limit, they require replacement. A wear sensor illuminates the brake icon on your Mini’s dashboard when the pads get low.

Check the Brake Rotors

Brake rotors are round, disc-shaped, and turn at the speed of the car’s wheels. They are the other half of the team that creates friction to slow your vehicle. Rotors, like pads, are designed to wear out. We don’t recommend replacing only the pads, as new pads may not work well with old rotors.

Check the Brake Calipers

Brake pads are housed in brake calipers, steel parts surrounding the rotors. Behind the pads are pistons with pressure from brake fluid to force the pads against the rotors. Brake calipers can seize with age. A seized piston can cause the pads to rub constantly on the brake rotor. When the caliper piston seals age, leaking brake fluid will result.

Check the Brake Fluid

The brake fluid needs regular replacement. This fluid transfers your brake pedal force to the brake pads, bringing about the braking you want. Some of the heat from braking ends up in the brake fluid, so a high boiling point is required. Hot brake fluid absorbs water, leading to rust in your system. As parts wear, contamination is held in the brake fluid until the fluid is replaced. Over time the brake fluid’s boiling point becomes lower. Old, contaminated brake fluid may boil, resulting in brake fade. Brake fade ensues when the brake pedal has to go closer to the floor for the same braking. Brake failure (ineffective brakes) is when the pedal reaches the bottom to no effect on the car’s speed. 

We have dedicated brake repair experts. If you bought your Mini new recently, you might be surprised that the dealer service department will not replace brake pads and rotors under warranty. These parts are considered wear items and are replaced at the owner’s expense. Call us or visit our website to find out how much we can save you over dealer prices and book an appointment for a brake inspection or any service on your Mini you require.