These are pictures of my passanger side and my drivers side strut top mounts. As you can see its bad. My drivers side has yet to give but the passangers side has. Also is this what is known as mushrooming? With that Das Cooper is lowerd on promini h&r spings stock struts (for now) Dinan camber kit, Dinan strut bar and some others.

HOW can I fix this WITHOUT it coming back?

Also is there any danger with my driving it like this?

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a4...destruttop.jpg

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a4...estruttop2.jpg

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a4...destruttop.jpg

Thanks

 

Thats not "mushrooming" That's a failure of the strut top mount and the only fix is to replace it with factory or aftermarket camber plates.

As far as drivability, I'd be more scared of how little thread it trapped by your top mount nuts. Man, that is a VERY bad thing.

 

Big Plus One ^^^ How many miles are on the setup and what kind of roads are you driving on?

 

I agree there's like 2 threads caught on those nuts bro.however i'm in the same boat in regards to busted mount.I have the parts but can not install until Jan,and am wondering what the danger is in nursing the car until install,my mount looks as bad as Phantom's.In recent days when i go over small holes i can hear jingle bells coming from the mount,in other words metal on metal,and hoping the end of the strut wont appear through the bonnet.What's your advise?

 

I think it's very dangerous to drive around with such damage and could lead to total loss of control of your MINI when it may be needed the most. At which time the strut popping through the hood will be the least of the issues to deal with. I hope one of our NAM members that's also in the Auto Insurance biz chimes in here too. Because driving with this type of "known" mechanical issue could be risking your coverage as well.

You are also wearing out other parts and tires which will lead to more cost and risk till replaced.

For your safety and those that share the road with you, please repair them ASAP and limit driving till they are fixed.

I don't know any any Track or AutoX event that would allow a car with that issue pass tech to run in an event.

To Your Best, Dustin

 

Those are Dinans nuts deeper then they look!

 

I'll get some parts on the way today! what would be best to get some stockers or IE I want something where I dont have to worry about this again...

 

I would recommend the IE adjustable plates or any of the other more expensive adjustable plates. The stock bits could tear again like what you have, while any aftermarket plate will not have any rubber in it to tear. Also, as a plus, the studs will be longer too so that you can have more threads exposed.

 

+1 to AutoXCoopers comment
I wouldn't drive it until you get it fixed!

 

Without being able to see under the strut brace brackets, we can't see if tower deformation has occured; chances are it has. If no deformation has happened yet, it most likely will if you continue to drive with those severely torn bushings.

Some background on deformation repair and possible prevention can be seen here http://www.mini2.com/forum/faults-fi...shrooming.html

I use IE fixed plates as a probable preventitive measure and for increased traction in corners. The rubber bearing carrier (bushing) provides some shock/vibration absorption not available on adjustable plates. For competition use a little NVH wouldn't be a factor making adjustability more worthwhile. Sorry, but no bolt-on is an absolute fix.

 

I have a set of pretty brand new OEM once. LMK if you are interested in getting them.

-Arthur

 

IMO if you are going to have to take the struts out anyway I'd go for a set of camber plates. I have IE fixed ones & I'm very happy with them. If you want some stock strut tops I saw a set here in the Marketplace.

 

Thanks very much for the advise Dustin and the others.I find myself in this position because i live in the caribbean and parts are at a friends house in Fla which i'm plannin on collecting in early Jan on a visit,trying to save on import duty and shipping . FSD Shocks camber plates STB's the lot, so i'll have to do something about it prematurley,hate to have to but there you go.On another note my STB's are M7 brand ,do they require Dinan nuts?are they supplied with nuts?Would hate to get back to find out i need 6 bloody nuts,Further my Koni FSD's can i pack them in a suitcase and fly or are they going to explode in mid air,now thats a good question considering i'll be sitting on that plane,i would doubt that Fed Ex cargo compartments are pressurised,i recon that's a pretty good question

 

The M7 STB does not need any special nut to work with the IE plates, or any other plate that I know of in the market as of today.

 

+1

The IE fixed plates have longer studs than the stock strut tops do.

 

Thanks guys,i'll be installing IE adjustables so that sounds all is good to go.I'm still interested in the safety aspect of flying shocks in the luggage compartment are FSD's gas filled or oil? I was chatting to my pal who has the parts and expressed my concerm his reply was not to worry as there top quality therefore touchdown will be smooth

 

Dinan is kinda out there sometimes... they tried to charge me $3 for a new one

 

Where you guys get the IE fixed plates ? Im considering them as im changing my suspension

 

http://www.bmw2002.com/

I have the fixed plates.
Totally happy with them.

Jim

 

+1 on the IE fixed camber plates. They run quieter than stock (adjustables without rubber will make the car rattle more) and are a huge improvement in traction when cornering.

 

Fix that ASAP!!! Don't drive it get it towed!

 

cant drive, getting evaled for knee surgey... damn staph infection kickin my butt