Why Are My MINI Cooper’s Brakes Squealing All the Time?

If your MINI Cooper’s brakes are squealing all the time, it’s possible one of the problems listed below is the culprit. The bottom line is that it’s important that you get your brakes inspected right away. Ignoring the problem may cost you your brake system, and we here at Simply Euro do not want to think about what would happen if you couldn’t stop your MINI Cooper.

Broken Anti-Rattle Clips

The anti-rattle clips hold the brake pads and pad stays in place. They attach them to the calipers. If one or more of the anti-rattle clips breaks, the brake pads and pad stays will shimmy every time you apply the brakes. This will make your brakes squeal on your MINI Cooper. We can replace the anti-rattle clips to resolve this problem and to prevent your brakes from squealing in the future.

No Pad Insulation

Brake pad insulation was installed on your MINI Cooper when it was assembled. This insulation is specifically designed to prevent the brake pads from squealing. When the brake pads are changed, the insulation is changed, as well. If the insulation wasn’t changed, you may have no brake pad insulation and this is why your Cooper’s brakes are squeaking all the time.

Overheating Brakes

If your brakes are overheating, they will squeal because the brake pads and rotors are glazed. This means the surfaces are smooth and they are not generating friction. This is dangerous because your MINI Cooper needs friction to stop. If your brakes are squealing and you smell something hot, such as chemicals or carpet, pull over because your brakes are overheating.

Worn Brake Pads

The brakes will also squeal if the brake pads are worn down. Once they have worn away completely, the noise changes from squealing to grinding or scraping. Brake pads have indicators in them that make noise when it’s time to change the brake pads. This is likely the squealing sound you hear each time you press down on the brake pedal.

Worn Rotor Surfaces

Finally, rotor surfaces need to be recut every 60,000 miles. This is because after 60,000 miles of having the brake pads press against the rotors, the surfaces have smoothed out. As with glazing, when the rotor surfaces smooth out because of wear and tear, your brakes will squeal all the time.

Simply Euro in Castle Pines, CO, has your MINI Cooper’s brake system covered. Give us a call today to schedule an appointment for a brake inspection. We’ll find out why your brakes are squealing all the time.