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karl_brown1

Mini Cooper brake issue

I'm experiencing a slightly concerning issue with my 2007 Mini Cooper Diesel. It only has 20330 km on the clock. The brake fluid level warning light came on the other day, and I've noticed some strange feedback through the brake pedal when applying the car brakes. It's not a constant thing, but it's definitely noticeable. I suspect it might be related to worn brake pads, but I wanted to get a second opinion before diving in. Could this be the root cause?

4 comment(s)

sophiakrause6

A low brake fluid level in a Mini Cooper with that kind of mileage could indeed be related to worn brakes. As the pads wear, the pistons in the calipers extend further, requiring more fluid from the reservoir. I had a similar experience with my previous VW Golf; the brake pedal feel changed noticeably before I realized the fluid was low. Have you checked the brake lines for any visible leaks? While worn brakes are the most likely cause, it’s always wise to rule out fluid loss.

karl_brown1 (Author)

Thanks for the quick reply! I haven't specifically checked the brake lines themselves, but I didn't see any obvious puddles under the car where it's parked. When you had the issue with your Golf, was the pedal feedback similar? It's hard to describe, but it almost feels like a slight vibration or pulsing when I brake.

sophiakrause6

Yes, the pulsing sensation you describe aligns with what I experienced on my Golf. While it's good you checked for puddles, a small leak in the brake lines can sometimes be hard to spot without a thorough brake inspection. To be safe, I'd recommend getting it checked at a workshop. They can properly inspect the brake lines, calipers, and brake pads to pinpoint the issue. It's probably just the brakes, but better to be certain when dealing with car brakes.

karl_brown1 (Author)

Just wanted to provide an update. I took your advice and brought the Mini Cooper to a trusted workshop. They confirmed the low brake fluid level and, as suspected, the front brakes were worn down quite a bit. Pads and discs replaced, fluid replacement done, brake inspection, and the strange pedal feedback is now gone. Total damage: 480€. Thanks again for pointing me in the right direction!

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