I need to remove and replace the front A arm, called by mini a wishbone part #31126761410, how does it remove from the rear mount? The center bolt is also lodged does it break loose or unscrewed, please help don't want any more damage than already done.

 

Ooh boy this will be fun.... but here it goes...

This is the easiest way to do it...Take the front bumper covers of it's fairly easy 2 torx bolts in the front on each side of the radiator, and two bolts the corners of the cover. Pull the cover forward and you will see two bolts on each side
of the radiator, these bolts are attached to 2 compression tubes that in turn are attached to the cross member under the car.

the car should be up on a lift or stands, with the wheels of:

1. under the car un bolt the lower engine mount (if worried about not rememmbering where the bolt. goes use sandwich
bags with a note inside where it's going).

2. There's 4 bolts 2 on each side where the crush tube intersects the cross member take those out..

3. On each side of the cross member (by the shocks)you will see a big bolt take it out.....

4. Now you need to unbolt the steering column...dont worry Use a long extension it commes out fairly easy
if the bolt is not rotated right have a friend rotate the steering wheel.

5. If the A-arm is still in unbolt it if it doesn't budge use a hammer tap on it.

A note: the arm will NOT slide out of the rubber bushing it's vulcanized in place and to get the arm out you
need to burn it out

6. Unbolt the back portion of the cross member has 3-4 bolts per side.
6.1 In the lower portion of the wheel well is a bolt attached to the bushing assembly on each side, un bolt.

7. Tug on the assembly and it will lean down(be carefull not to over do it, the hoses for the powersteering are getting
stretchedbut it's OK...

8. Now to the fun part, you need to unbolt the rear assemly which is were the bushing attachment is located
there is 2 big a** bolts they will come out I promise ( at this point I would seriosly consider putting in
a new front sway bar).

To bolt together reverse my instruction...

If you run in to any complications feel free to call me at any time, I love to help out

Peter Horvath
562-712-3270

 

funny, I just did this today and wrote a report on mini2.
http://www.mini2.com/forum/showthrea...196&page=2

you can press out the bushing in its sleeve without the grossness of burning it out and chiselling through the sleeve