Hi all.

My base Cooper needs control arm bushings (@ 61k mi). I know it's a big job and since I'm paying for all the time involved, I want to see that my mechanic uses the bushings that will maximize the time before they need to be done again.

I see a lot of people here go for upgraded/performance aftermarket bushings. And although I'd appreciate the increased stiffness (even if it is justa Cooper, not an S), I want to make this decision pragmatically.

So, day-one performance consideration aside, what CA bushings have actually proven to be durable for a long service life? (If such a thing can even be determined)

BTW, My mechanic prefers stock replacement parts.

Thanks in advance.

 

Do not get stock if you want long life. Go with the Powerflex, will give great performance and will last much longer.

 

And replace the control arms as well. They're notoriously weak.

 

Well the OP never said which control arm's? Front or back so your both right. If front, then yes go Powerflex and while your there spend some extra money and replace all the ball joints, better check the motor mounts also. If rear, then inlieu of replacing with new stock arms, don't know of anybody selling just the bushings? Go with some good aftermarket arms, like Helix.

 

It is the front set I'm referring to.

And also, what's the logic behind replacing ball joints (and/or control arms) that are still working to spec? Is it one of those cases where I'd avoid redundant labor costs? (I'm not a performance/upgrade junkie--I've got other hobbies for that. This is just my car.)

 

Give Way a call, Hes sold tons of them, and can even sell you some pre-pressed into brackets. Then all your mechanic has to do is drop the subframe a bit, unhook the CAs, unscrew the brackets and reverse.

 

Front control arms are very beefy.....don't worry about those. But the ball joints are a wearable item, so if you are having work done there just replace them as a precaution against a future repair.

 

Yes go with the Powerflex bushings, I've never seen a set wear out yet. And we have them prepressed to make install easier.

http://www.waymotorworks.com/powerfl...shing-kit.html

 

If your car already wore out the bushings more than likely other stuff wore also, how would you know what "spec" is? Your right, it's more of the, "redundant labor costs". I guess you can lower the subframe enough to just get the bushings out? We always drop it out completely as their are most always other issues, such as, how are your power steering lines doing? Are they leaking? Good time to replace if they are. Granted, your car has lower miles than normal for this service, but, it's all up to you.

 

Thanks for the responses so far, everyone. I will go with the PF replacements.

I could have been more clear said that the ball joints have been inspected and, in the opinion of my mechanic, are not in need of replacing. He said he could replace them, but then why not replace the struts too? He was of the mind that if they aren't worn out yet, leave them in service.
Since it is a southern car (no road salt), he might be able to replace the CA bushings w/o dropping the sub-frame. (Maybe) He said if it was a typical New England Mini of this vintage, he wouldn't even try, he'd just drop the subfame as you mention.
My power steering lines were replaced when it was in a few weeks ago (They were leaking around the clamps as is known to happen). At that time, he also replaced leaking gearbox seals at the axles, both sides, and one new axle boot. This is when he found the worn control arm bushings. For reasons of time (Holidays, etc), I couldn't have him change them then, so I'll bring it back in for this work.

 

Good choice Sounds like you have it under control. If you where more of a modder I would say do more replacing, but since it is just a car then you should be ok.