during the install of my short shifter today discovered a loose bolt on my shock absorber. left rear of the car. the lower bolt was only tightened to about 5 threads. the bolt was somewhat worn from not being installed completely. removed the bolt and cleaned up the threads and reinstalled. just yesterday had the car at the dealer to have the 36 software installed and asked them to look at my brakes to see how much wear was left in them. during this inspection they should have noticed that the bolt was just hanging by a few threads. so this is another item you might want to look at if you are driving hard. that the four corners are completely tight. i love the short shifter and the 36 software. mcs

 

If they just lifted the car up, removed the wheels, and eyeballed the brakes then I can see them not catching the loose bolt. It is completely out of sight unless you are under the car, or viewing it from the rear underside. Could they have seen it? Sure, but if they weren't looking for it, instead concentrating on something else like the brakes, I can see them missing it. Had mine off and on twice now, once for the swaybar and again for the springs. Almost forgot to tighten one side due to the lack of clear view and aging memory cells.

 

'03 MINIs were recalled for lower shock bolt troubles. If yours was either not sent in for the recall, or was done previously but the new bolt not tightened, this cyould be the reason.

Another reason that is even more credible is lack of attention on the assembly line. My car was missing two large bolts on the front subframe.

 

i went in on the recall of the bolt at the dealer in so california in long beach. i now live in washington state and this dealer is now doing the warranty work. im with you though if they were not looking for this they would miss it. im just saying that the dealer in so ca looked at it, the port of entry inspection should have caught it and now the lateset dealer might have looked at it if there was a recall on this item. so im hoping that everyone knows of this bolt issue and takes a look. in aircraft we call this a airworthiness directive. again many of us are driving these cars hard and this is a safety issue. love my new 36 software and short shifter. mcs

 

thanks, cuny. I'll check on that bolt today jic. :smile:

 

im glad to see so many hits on this info. has anyone else checked their cars and found this bolt loose. the factory call for a recall and i took mine in and they said it was ok to go as you see from my post it wasn't till i looked at it myself and found it was not right. nice day to motor here in washington.