Hey everybody, I am replacing the front lower control arm bushings, all four ball joints as well as other bushings such as engine, gearbox and power steering mount, as well as the bushings for the rear trailing arms.

To my understanding the bolts holding the front LCA bushing carrer to the subframe are "one time use" bolts so I am ordering new ones. My question is are there any other of these bolts that need to be replaced in the front end with these replacements. I'm hoping to only have to lower the subframe but i may need to completely drop it.

 

I don't think you have to replace any of the bolts. As for not dropping the sub frame you can remove the six bolts in the rear and the one on each side neat the struts. You might have trouble removing the bolts for the bushings though. They are put on fairly tight. Might want to replace sway bar bushings while you are there. Let me know if you need more info

 

I have never heard that you need to replace bolts. When I did mine 2 years ago I never replaced any bolts.

 

Grahams315
You are correct that the lower controll arm bushing bolts are a one time use. Because they are a stretch bolt MINI recommends changing them. Lots of people reuse them but for the price I would change them.
I am not aware of any others while dropping the subframe that need to be replaced.
Steve

 

Here is a how to http://www.minicooperspeed.com/mini-...-r50-r53remov/
http://www.pelicanparts.com/techarti...eplacement.htm

I can not find on any seraches about replacing the bolts. But I guess if you found them cheap enough go for it. It can't hurt.

 

Braminator
Both the Bently and Haynes manual say not to reuse those controll arm bushing bolts because of it being a stretch bolt. This is a major suspension bolt and I would follow their advise.
Steve

 

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...install-2.html

Read post #40. Way Motorworks has done many with no issues. Give him a call.

Not saying you are wrong but many including myself reuse them if you are careful getting them out.

 

Thanks for the advice. Do you know if all three bolts are supposed to be replaced? In the post Braminator links he says the bolt to the body is supposed to be replaced. Is that number 11 in this diagram? http://www.realoem.com/bmw/diagrams/l/b/150.png

 

Call Way at http://www.waymotorworks.com/ he is one of the go to guys.

 

Braminator
I have to chuckel a little bit here. I remember that post and at the time I said to myself that Way (with all due respect) had to be crazy to post this. Can you imagine if one of Ways customers had a failure due to that bolt not being replaced and caused serious injury what the liability would be? Posting that info in an open forum is insane.
K-huevo is a really knowledgeable guy, read his post #42 in that same thread. He has got it right.
When all is said and done, do as you wish. I don't think a couple of bucks for bolts is worth the risk.
Steve


Grahams315
You are correct, it is #11 in that diagram. There are only two bolts, one per side of that item.
Steve

 

The Itch,
I am not arguing, I am just stating that many have done this with no issues.

Just curious to if anyone out there as reusued the bolts and had any failures?

OP for piece of mind, buy new ones. That will end this discussion.

 

Lol someone always has to be right.
I re used mine, so far i have had zero problems....

 

 

Thank you very much. I always planned on replacing them since any part of the suspension coming loose would end horribly, especially on a track day. Not worth saving the 10 bucks IMO

 

Grahams315
I hope your install goes well.
Steve

 

Planning to rebuild my front suspension soon and have been reviewing this issue. Looks like most of the bolts on the subframe that attach to the car chassis and crush tubes are self-tapping and thus should not be reused. Source: https://shop.mini.ca/a/MINI__/439118...E/31_0579.html

 

got a pic of the bolds you are referring to? i've never heard of that

if you talking about the big *** bolts that hold the subframe on, those are not replaced if not damaged

 

Just to be clear I was referring to the bolts that are used to attach the subframe to the car and the crush tubes. They are self-tapping, but the control arm bushing brackets are not. Pictures and specs of bolts are in the link that I provided earlier.

 

I can confirm that none of those bolts are selftapping. They are not even stretch bolts.

Bolts are never selftapping, screws are and there are only a few selftapping screws on a Mini. Like the ones holding the wheelliners up or the ones holding the interieur trims.

 

I don't understand then why these subframe-chassis bolts are described as self-tapping in multiple vendors like FCP Euro, ECS Tunning and MINI authorized dealerships.

 

The 16mm head guys? I’ve reused mine - my experience is no issues.