[FONT=Verdana]Mind helping me to diagnose the suspension issues?[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana]I hope the pics show up.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana]So the Mini Cooper S, hit an upright pole in a garage while making a right hand turn into the parking spot. There is body work damage, but worse, suspension damage.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana][/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana]http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk24/jennedp/IMG_0233.jpg[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana]The front right tire has been pushed back about an inch bringing it into contact with the rear of the front wheel well.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana]When I jacked up the car, I saw immediately that the front sway bar end link was getting contact with the axle. Note the bruised end link and the axle wear! With the car up and no load, you can't see that the endlink is contacting the axle, but on load, it does. That’s why there is a silver band of rub wear on the axle.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana][/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana]http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk24/jennedp/IMG_0235.jpg[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana]I wish I had taken a pic of what I call the lower control arm. It is the bottom most suspension's fixing piece and is connected to the frame toward the front of the car, and at the rear a bushing. The bushing piece appears blown. I figured this by comparing it to the drivers side undamaged bushing. What is this lower aluminum fixing piece called? I’m assuming a control arm.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana]I know it is ridiculous to ask about a piece that I have not clearly identified, but if it helps....[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana][/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana]http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk24/jennedp/IMG_0231.jpg[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana]In the above pic, it is not shown. It is the lowest most piece, inboard to the center of the car. But it connects to the steering knuckle and seems to be made out of aluminum. It is hard mounted to the frame....me thinks. Other than the obvious cosmetic body damage, the control arm, (that I am unclear on), this piece seems to be the issue. [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana]Any thoughts? Who would I be able to order these parts from?[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana] Thanks,[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana][/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana]E[/FONT]

 

Want to bump this for the w/e tech crew.

I'm hoping someone on here can clue me in a bit.

Thanks,

E

 

Try here too: https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...daysprune=&f=9

 

Pitterpop I posted this on minimania the other day for you:
Ive repaired a couple of these with bent front suspension, from the look of your photos you have simply bent the lower wishbone, they fold up just in front of the rear rubber mounting bush, you can see the fold in your 3rd photo if you look carefully, to repair buy a new wishbone ( old one not repairable) and fit it the hardest part is getting it out of the rubber bush at the rear, its a very tight push fit with a hex shaft. It take a hefty lever out with a crowbar, to get the new one in takes soapy water and a lot of shoving, I ended up modifying a suspension spring compressor with some chains and wound it in with that. Probably wont require any alignment checking, there isnt much else to bend, just check the little vertical swaybar link is not bent, is so straighten it. Good Luck