Case Study
Mini Cooper Brake Pad Warning Light On
Our customer brought in their MINI Cooper with the brake pad warning light showing on the dashboard, along with a knocking noise when pulling away. The car was booked in for a diagnostic investigation and repairs, so our MINI specialist technicians could get to the bottom of both problems.
Fault Codes
No fault codes – the warning was triggered by the brake pad wear sensor, and the knocking noise was a mechanical fault
Common Symptoms
- Brake pad warning light on the dashboard
- Knocking noise when pulling away
- Excess engine movement under acceleration
- Worn brake discs and pads
MINI Cooper Diagnostics
Investigating the knocking noise, we found the bottom gearbox mount bush had cracked. This was allowing the engine and gearbox to move more than they should, causing the knock when pulling away. Turning to the brakes, we found the brake pad wear wire had made contact with the brake disc, which had triggered the warning light. We then measured the brake discs and found they were below the minimum thickness, so they also needed replacing.
Vehicles Affected
MINI Cooper
- MINI Cooper 2006
- MINI Cooper 2007
- MINI Cooper 2008
- MINI Cooper 2009
- MINI Cooper 2010
- MINI Cooper 2011
- MINI Cooper 2012
- MINI Cooper 2013
MINI Clubman
- MINI Clubman 2007
- MINI Clubman 2008
- MINI Clubman 2009
- MINI Clubman 2010
- MINI Clubman 2011
- MINI Clubman 2012
- MINI Clubman 2013
- MINI Clubman 2014
MINI Countryman
- MINI Countryman 2010
- MINI Countryman 2011
- MINI Countryman 2012
- MINI Countryman 2013
- MINI Countryman 2014
- MINI Countryman 2015
- MINI Countryman 2016
Gearbox Mount & Brake Replacement
To stop the knocking noise, we fitted a new bottom gearbox mount to prevent the excess movement. We then fitted new Brembo brake discs and brake pads, along with a new brake pad wear wire, and reset the brake pad warning using our BMW diagnostic system.
Resolution
With the new gearbox mount fitted, the engine was properly supported again and the knocking noise had gone. The new discs and pads restored the braking performance, and the brake pad warning light was switched off after being reset. Our customer's MINI was back on the road driving quietly and stopping safely.
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