Mini 4WD Brakes Guide

Brakes on a Mini 4WD are sponge pads mounted under the stays that rub the track surface at raised sections, slowing the car before a jump or through a banked corner.

Sponge grades

Brake sponges come in several densities. Softer grades bite gently and progressively; harder grades slow the car sharply. Start softer than you think you need, because too much brake costs lap time everywhere it touches.

Height is the real adjustment

How far the sponge sits below the stay decides when it makes contact and how hard. A millimetre of height change alters behaviour more than swapping grade does. Adjust height first, grade second.

Front and rear balance

Brake bias decides the car's attitude as it slows. Too much front brake pitches the nose down; too much rear lifts it. A balanced setup slows the car flat, which is what you want before a jump.

Check for wear

Sponges compress and wear with use, so a setup that worked last week may be running less brake now. Inspect and replace them as consumables rather than assuming they are constant.