I just put on 4 new struts from 1Aauto and the mini looks like a monster truck now. The struts looked the same side by side but once installed the car sits way higher. Is this normal? What is the stock ride height supposed to be

 

Although you haven't mentioned the year or type of your Mini...
When you installed the front struts, did you make sure the tab on the bottom back of the strut is fully recessed in the pinch bolt slot?
I made that mistake with my first install and had the same results you describe.

 

My apologies. It’s a 2012 Base 6spd man. Yea I had to bust out the Dremel and make the hole on the strut bigger because it was like an 1/8” shy of the bolt being able to go thru.

 

Huh?
Not sure what else. Did you purchase a pre-assembled strut+spring?
I have an '04 R53 - Before I installed lowering springs, my stock front ride height measured approx 2" from top of tire to bottom/beneath the wheel trim.
I wonder if the ride height will settle a bit after a short (slow) drive?
I hope someone more seasoned than me, here on NAM, will chime in with more concrete advice/answer.
Sorry I couldn't be of more help.

 

I bought the complete strut assembly from 1Aauto. The alignment guy mentioned the springs settling. I also notice there seems to be more rolling resistance after the alignment which I found very strange. That being said the tech did say she really needs a suspension facelift

 

R60 Countryman struts will physically fit into the R56 hatchback, but will add about 2” to the ride height… I guess it’s possible you were sent the wrong assembly? Any pictures of the old and new assemblies? Picture of the car’s current stance?

 

Yep , places like those and others dont have the catalog correct to the parts/make, they get data dumps (not MINI owners or enthusiasts) and the parts might be cataloged wrong, thus you got some r60 struts is my guess.

 

I PM'd you, but in case you don't look at those, or in case someone else wants to chime in--

Any recommendations on reliable [budget] parts suppliers who actually have the correct parts catalogued for the Mini Cooper R56 Base?? I would REALLY like to get the correct strut assembly installed on the back end of my car.

Thanks!

 

I've had a really good experience with Monroe QuickStruts on my R53. Try StockWise.com.

 

Just PM you back.

 

I doubt this is the case with your MINI but I have seen this in other cars. First measure the actual ride height you are at right now and check it against the MINI specifications. It is possible for the springs to gradually sag of years of use. It generally happens so gradually that the user does not notice until the springs are replaced. Same with shocks. Most people do not notice that they are worn until they bounce or leak since the change is so gradual over time. I do need to add that springs should last more than 10 years.

In no way am I tiring to say you do not have the right parts, just would hate to have you swap them out just to find out your old ones were sagging.

 

Yep, most of the time those other parts places dont know MINI, nor know someone who has one. They select the wrong car and then say...yep that's right.. then send the part. I found that all the time before I worked at ECS with my MINI.

They are more focused on selling parts for Domestic cars / JDM as that is the more common market.

Yep springs will sag. Takes some time on the MINIs as the cars are not that heavy to the spring rates,. Shocks blow out before the spring sag, I seen MINI spring sag but it takes like 150-200,000 miles or 10 plus years. Or if you are hauling stuff all the time.

 

Check this thread:
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...like-this.html