Hey guys, I have a 2003 MINI Cooper with about 131,000 hard miles! I have had mostly all the suspension re-done, but I have not had the rear trailing arm bushings replaced. At this high of mileage is it about time to replace them? What are some of the signs of them being worn out? I am considering the Powerflex rear trailing arm bushing inserts
http://www.outmotoring.com/mini-coop...shing_kit.html

What are the good and bad about the insterts? Or should I just have both of the rear trailing arm bushings replaced (stock)?

 

Any thoughts?

 

The photo shown in the Outmotoring link is a steering rack poly bushing not a trailing arm insert.

Verify the trailing arm build version before purchasing a poly part:
Early model bushing mount


Late model trailing arm


Yes, it is a good idea to replace the trailing arm bushing on a high mileage MINI. My early build had begun to crack/rot at the 60k mark.


For the early build, the entire bracket needs replacement, because OEM bushings alone are not offered; it’s not a difficult task. New rubber always feels good. An alignment will be necessary after replacing trailing arm brackets.

I tried the inserts on my early build.


The effect was much like adding a very stiff sway bar, less body roll and pitch, plus the changes were fun in the beginning. After a few hundred miles I found the limited arm articulation to be undesirable (I felt like a bobble head) and couldn't wait to take them off. Having tried poly in a variety of suspension applications I prefer OEM rubber by far. My recommendation is to replace the bracket & bushing with OEM parts.