18 replies to this topic

[lotuschris]

BMW Mini
2002
1.6 Cooper Manual

Hi Guys,

I am replacing a seized rear brake caliper for a new one, but I can't get the handbrake cable off the old caliper! It is now the only thing still connecting the old caliper to the car.

The cable seems to just go through a hole in the casting of the brake caliper, and I cannot see any fixings or fastners like a circlip or nut. But I cannot get the handbrake cable out of the caliper, what am I doing wrong? Is there a simple trick to it, or has it just rusted in?

The car is a mini cooper 2002 1.6 cooper with 140k miles.

Cheers,

Chris

Attached Files

•  Cal_3.jpg   124K   27 downloads
•  Cal_2a.jpg   208.91K   35 downloads

[xBR4DLEY]

Couldnt you take it to a dealer but I'm guessing it wont be cheap and your not under warranty
Is your handbrake seized on? , if it is I guess you wont be able to do what I said
Sorry I cant help any further

[BoboGib]

it looks like it comes out the opposite way to your arrow. A good dose of penetrating oil, then a whack with a hammer and drift should see it freed.

[lotuschris]

Thanks for the fast reply.

The handbrake is not seized, and the cable itself is very healthy. The caliper is broken inside (the spring mech inside the casting). I just want to fit my new caliper, but I need to get my good handbrake cable out of the old duff caliper first!

[minimat]

Looks like it just pulls out looks like it should have a clip in the groove,prob a bit tight after eight years and all those mile's,keep trying!

[mini-geek]

www.mini2.com

[xBR4DLEY]

www.mini2.com

No mate , we dont do that
We are mini and MINI friendly

[mini-geek]

how? why can't people advise people where you can find the best advice how is this place bini?

[xBR4DLEY]

how? why can't people advise people where you can find the best advice how is this place bini?

There are people on here that have both so will know things about them as shown above

[Shifty]

Not to up this kind of thing sorry!!

I can't see how it would pull out in the direction of the arrow. If it came out this way, surely it would pull out everytime you pull the handbrake on?

With a bit of luck one of our BMW mini experts will be along shortly

[mini-geek]

hum using the words 'looks like' tell me you have never removed a bini hand brake cable.

[cambiker71]

It pulls out in the opposite direction to the red arrow in picture 2, as mentioned above a little penetrating fluid and a small punch will loosen it off, these often seize in place but are usually easily removed, the cables can be sticky too so make sure it's ok or you'll end up needing another caliper (and usually pads too) when it all overheats.

[lotuschris]

The groove is there to hold the protective rubber boot on when you pull it all together, it is not a seat for a circlip, although it does look that way in my pictures!

Yep - looks like it should just pull out but it is stuck so fast with no movement I feel there must be something I am missing! If I hit it any harder I will damage it....

Thanks for the help so far.

[tomgale]

www.mini2.com

No mate , we dont do that
We are mini and MINI friendly

actually, we kind of do...

tmf rules and regulations: TMF however is focused on the Classic Mini, therefore it is appropriate to direct any technical advice on BMW MINI's to a more relevant forum if you cannot answer the question. Below is a link to MINI2 - an online community dedicated to the BMW MINI

its a fair point though, your more likley to get a reasonable answer out of that lot, far more experience in this department than us, in the same way that directing a query about mini brakes at the BMW guys and gals would produce the same result. some of us will know but most will just make educated well-meaning guesses. not that its a problem.

[MRA]

It is fair that if we can't help a fellow Mini owner either Classic or BMW then directing them to a site that can is, or should be seen as helpful (hopefully)

Normally there is a cut out in the calliper body for the cable to be "backed off" in the direction of the RED arrow, then you simply slot it through the gap hey presto style However I cannot see the slot in the forging

Edited by mra-minis.co.uk, 26 April 2010 - 06:30 AM.