Replacing rear brake pads

[PSUMINI]

Hey folks,

 

I'm in the midst of replacing my '06 Cooper rear brake pads, and can't seem to get the piston to retract. Bought one of those 'universal' cubes at Auto Zone, but all of the pegs are too far apart Does anyone have the tool for this job that I could possibly borrow?

 

Cheers,

 

-Bill

[DaFlake]

Hey Bill, I have a kit but sadly I don't have a time to bring it your way. If you are in the Laurel area (295 and 198) I would be more than happy to hook you up.

 

daflake@gmail.com

 

That being said, I bought a smaller version of this kit and it works ok.

 

http://www.harborfreight.com/18-piece-disc-brake-pad-and-caliper-service-tool-kit-97143.html

 

Will

[Hawkeye]

I was away yesterday but, if you still need the tool, I have one and am willing to loan it to you. We could meet between Reston and Burke. Thanks

[wolf617]

I don't know if the design is the same on the first gens, but I did my rear brakes on my R56 a couple of weeks ago and I used a pair of needle-nosed pliers to turn the "x" in to retract the piston.

[PSUMINI]

Thanks for the replies guys! I ended up loaning the tool from Autozone, but it turned out to not function properly (the head unit would just spin in place - must have been missing a pin . . .). Tried the needle nose pliers idea, but the piston would not budge! I ended up just completely removing the rear calipers from the car so I could get the necessary leverage to push and twist the pistons. Fun stuff.

[MMatarella]

Sorry I didn't see this in time, for everyone's info the Harober Freight set comes with a adapter with pin spacing that works on the MINI, goes on sale for $20 occasionally, and I have one anyone can borrow if they like.