R56 Brake Troubles
#1
Brake Troubles
I have an 07 R56 with 60K miles on it. Just recently the passenger front tire after driving it for a while the brakes will stick on it. I replaced the caliper on it hoping it would fix it, but it hasn't. I am thinking its the brake line, but just noticed my driver rear brake had some smoke coming from it as well. Is it possible Ive got 2 brake lines went bad at the same time or could it be something else?
#2
If you replaced the front caliper and the front brake is still sticking i would check the flexible brake line. Years ago i had a VW the used to lock up the brakes and i replaced both calipers. Still locked up the brakes. Finally found that the flexible brake lines were blocking the flow of brake fluid going back to the master cylinder. Either that or you have a problem in the master cylinder or quite possable the ABS unit.
#3
I have had brake grabbing and pulling issues in the past on non-MINI vehicles. Bled the entire system, replaced wheel cylinders and/or calipers. No change. Found that a rubber brake hose had collapsed internally, creating a one-way valve type of situation. Fluid would go through the rubber hose, but the internal "flap" created would seal the hose at that point, keeping some pressure applied. I would start with a complete brake fluid flush, then start replacing those rubber lines if the issue persists. Now may be the time to upgrade to braided stainless steel brake hoses anyway. I find the pedal feel much better with not only DOT4 synthetic brake fluid, but also the braided stainless hoses. Rubber hoses tend to bulge under pressure, leading to less "feel", and reduced braking effect.
By the way, there is a service life for brake fluid. MINI recommends a flush every 30k, IIRC. I recently serviced my brake fluid, replacing with Torque RT700 brake fluid. I do feel a difference. Higher boiling point is a good thing! Plus, DOT4 synthetic and the RT700 is far less hygroscopic than DOT3. Meaning they suck up less less moisture from the environment. Moisture is not a good thing. Microscopic amounts of water in brake fluid can lead to earlier boiling, and a loss in feel and brake performance. Oh, almost forgot, if your clutch feeds off of the same reservoir as you brakes, as my 2011 does, be sure to bleed the clutch first. My humble opinion and advice. Take it as you will.
By the way, there is a service life for brake fluid. MINI recommends a flush every 30k, IIRC. I recently serviced my brake fluid, replacing with Torque RT700 brake fluid. I do feel a difference. Higher boiling point is a good thing! Plus, DOT4 synthetic and the RT700 is far less hygroscopic than DOT3. Meaning they suck up less less moisture from the environment. Moisture is not a good thing. Microscopic amounts of water in brake fluid can lead to earlier boiling, and a loss in feel and brake performance. Oh, almost forgot, if your clutch feeds off of the same reservoir as you brakes, as my 2011 does, be sure to bleed the clutch first. My humble opinion and advice. Take it as you will.
Last edited by renchjeep; 12-22-2015 at 07:33 PM.
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