Squeaking brakes on R53

Squeaking brakes on R53

Author
Discussion

CrippsCorner

Original Poster:

3,015 posts

188 months

Wednesday 24th July 2019
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Hi guys. Had this infuriating issue on my R53 for several months now... started with replacing the pads, then discs, and most recently the calipers and carriers! Including of course new grease and fluids.

Still happening! It happens only on medium to hard braking, but happens every single time.

I've isolated to just one side at the front. My mechanic's recommendation was to 'put my original brakes back on' consisting of, you guessed it, pads, discs, calipers and carriers! So, in all honesty I don't see how that's going to help seeing as though I've two of each already.

Running out of ideas and it's driving me insane. It's just so loud frown what have I missed!?

Dave.

7,519 posts

260 months

Wednesday 24th July 2019
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Is it happening on application of the brakes or on release?

What are the flex hoses like?

CrippsCorner

Original Poster:

3,015 posts

188 months

Wednesday 24th July 2019
quotequote all
Application. If I press the pedal lightly I can actually ease to a stop without the squeak, but any harder push and it'll do it every time.

Brake lines were swapped out for HEL ones a few months ago. To be fair they're one thing I've not tried two off...

To note, my original setup worked perfectly for around 6 months before the squeaking started.

blue al

1,036 posts

166 months

Wednesday 24th July 2019
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Perhaps it's a wheel bearing and not the brakes at all

CrippsCorner

Original Poster:

3,015 posts

188 months

Thursday 25th July 2019
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I done a bit of research on that but it seems it's a different kind of sound... what I've got is very high pitched.

rabbitstew

142 posts

165 months

Friday 26th July 2019
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Very odd. I changed all the same as you and the only issues I had was horrible grinding noises. Narrowed that down to me not clipping the rear brake pads to the pistons - I didnt realise the back of the pad slides onto the piston. And also I must have some how bent one of the front brake disc dust shields which was now catching the disc slightly - quick fix by bending it off.

Also I noticed the hel brake line was rubbing on the wheel a bit - again quick fix by pushing it further through the support mount on the shock.

Not experienced any squeeking though. Id be tempted to look outside of the brakes - maybe the bearing like someone else said.

CrippsCorner

Original Poster:

3,015 posts

188 months

Friday 26th July 2019
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I just thought this morning, I've changed that before haven't I... and yes, 2 years ago I changed the wheel bearing. I bought secondhand but it was knackered on arrival so bought a cheap eBay jobbie from China. Maybe that decision is catching up with me now!

CrippsCorner

Original Poster:

3,015 posts

188 months

Wednesday 7th August 2019
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Well it was a relatively cheap part to try, so a new hub and wheel bearing kit went on yesterday... still squeaking cry I think the only thing left to try is a bullet to the temple!

norm4n

46 posts

227 months

Wednesday 7th August 2019
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Before I make a couple of stupid suggestions are you certain this is coming from the wheel and is brake related?

CrippsCorner

Original Poster:

3,015 posts

188 months

Wednesday 7th August 2019
quotequote all
Well we've had it on a rolling road and it only happens on brake application... (if I didn't mention before, only on one side)

Suggest away!

I've been recommended a Mini specialist so I'm going to pop in for a chat after work.

norm4n

46 posts

227 months

Wednesday 7th August 2019
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Was going to suggest rolling road or chassis lift!

I was also going to say that my vacuum hose that connects to the front of the rocker cover once had a leak where it’s pushed on, initially it would buzz like a fan but also began to squeal. The source of that noise baffled me for ages

dc2rr07

1,238 posts

238 months

Wednesday 7th August 2019
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Is there any shim plates fitted between the pistons and the back of the pads.

norm4n

46 posts

227 months

Wednesday 7th August 2019
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I would fit Ferodo DS2500 pads, re-assemble with all relevant mating surfaces greased up with the appropriate high temp grease.

If that doesn’t do the trick take it to the following;

South Coast - Sussex Road & Race Littlehampton
1320 Mini - Cambridge
Lohen - Stafford


R53rider

186 posts

95 months

Wednesday 14th August 2019
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CrippsCorner said:
Well we've had it on a rolling road and it only happens on brake application... (if I didn't mention before, only on one side)

Suggest away!

I've been recommended a Mini specialist so I'm going to pop in for a chat after work.
May I ask where in the country you are? And which specialist have you been recommended.
I'm very involved in, and active on, the R53 Owners Club, which you may be a member of already - although not seen anyone posting about incurable squeaky brakes. One of the things I do is keep a list of all the independents who understand the R53. So when people post 'anyone know ........ near Birmingham or wherever' I can usually suggest somewhere sensible to try.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/154538898666141/