I recently got my MCS back from a check-up and have come to find that I need some additional work done. I was told that my mini's front control arm bushings are worn and I also have a cracked engine mount. I was quoted $500-$600+ to get it all done and was wondering if I could save myself some money by doing the work myself. Should I even attempt to fix either of these issues or should I leave it to the pros?

I have minimal experience with cars in the past and none with my mini thus far but I am good with my hands and fairly mechanically inclined. I do have a good supply of tools to work with and am willing to make an investment in more if needed. If anyone has done this sort of work before and has any tips or help to give it would be appreciated or if anyone knows of online resources/instructions for this type of repair please share. I would like to get to know my mini inside and out eventually but don't want to get in over my head or end up costing myself more in a failed attempt at home repair.

 

No... If you don't have the experience with cars, there are a multitude of problems that you can run into from frozen bolts to having the proper tools like the press you will need for the bushings.

The engine mount is not too difficult but you will need to jack the engine up to do it as well.

Now, if you are feeling adventurous, then go for it!

 

Front control arm bushings commonly wear out in R53 Cooper S models with about 50,000+ miles. Grab the front wheel and tug it forward to the front bumper and backward to the steering wheel- does it move or feel tight?

How to replace the front control arm-
http://www.pelicanparts.com/techarti...eplacement.htm

Contact Way at Way Motorworks for a replacement bushing-
http://www.waymotorworks.com/control...0-r53-r52.html

You can ask him about motor mounts too-
OEM (different upper mounts for 02-03 and for 04-06)
http://www.waymotorworks.com/oem-upp...3-r50-r53.html
http://www.waymotorworks.com/oem-eng...4-r50-r53.html
http://www.waymotorworks.com/oem-min...t-r50-r53.html
Or aftermarket
For 2004-06 R50/R53
http://www.waymotorworks.com/afterma...unt-04-06.html
For 2002-03 R50/R53
http://www.waymotorworks.com/early-t...4-r50-r53.html

Use a coupon if you can-
http://www.retailmenot.com/view/waymotorworks.com
http://www.azcoupon.net/waymotorworks.com/

 

Do you know which mount it is? The upper mount is a fairly easy job. Just takes a little bit of time.

 

Suspension parts can be a ryoal pain in the butt....
Years of salt, corossion, etc....
Better things to start diy stuff on a mini...the lerning curve is pretty steep.

 

I agree, the control arm bushings is probably not the best job for a beginner. You might pul it off, but it definitelly won't be time efficient. My quote for the bushings was a lot higher than that. I have worked on my cars for years and for that price, I think I would almost rather pay up.

 

+1 on most of these comments, suspension can be tough, all the corrosion & dirt makes things easly sieze up, bolts are broken easy, and things just don't want to come apart, plus don't forget, you break something, and can't fix it, you're immobile, call a tow truck.

 

My suspension adventures have always been successful with a generous coating of PB blaster on any and all troublesome bolts.

 

i would suggest that if you are having to ask this question in the first place you should not be doing it.

 

No amount of PB blaster was getting one of my subframe bolts out, we had to break out the heat!

 

Like other have said I do not recommend the job for a novice. I changed mine not a fun job you have to drop the whole subframe. If they are willing to do it for 500 or so I would let them do it.The engine mount is probably a better place to start

 

I had the same exact issues with my 04 MCS.

I had them replace the worn out bushings, and replaced the serpentine belt for just under $500.
I still have a leaky motor mount though. :( I should get that fixed...

My father works on cars, and he didn't want anything to do with it cause you pretty much have to take the whole front end apart. So, garage and a paycheck it was.
Good luck!