2003 MCS with 17's and relatively new non-run flats. Have a pretty significant front end shimmy through the steering wheel only when slowing down- does it with the snows (16's) too so not the tires. I figured it was the brake rotors so I put on new rotors all the way around and new pads. Still does it...figure it's not wheels out of balance because it only does it when putting on the brakes- no vibration when just cruising.
Suspension otherwise stock- 43K miles.
I'm perplexed- otherwise rides and runs great....

 

How are the front control arm bushings?

Doing it for the snows and the new tires leads me to believe this might just be tread squirm. Did your car do this on your old tires?

 

you might find this link helpful https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ini-owner.html

 

I just replaced mine. Had terrible torque steer as the front tires wanted to wander under load, and on uneven pavement.....would almost hop lanes all by itself under hard accelleration.....

These Power Flex Control Arm Bushings ROCK and are only 99 bucks! About a dozen members in our MINI club are using them now, and so far outstanding reviews.....

 

Usually do most of the repair work myself but in looking over the Bentley manual it states you have to lower the subframe to get the rear bushing carriers out, etc etc- a bit more than I want to tackle when it's 95 in the shade with humidity to match!
Anyone tackle this as a DIY???

 

dropping the subframe is a good skill to develop. I took the bushing carriers to a local shop with a hydrolic press to put in the Alta PSRS I'm running. There's a how to floating around where someone did the Powerflex in his garage....

Anyway, I can drop the subframe in a bit over an hour now, without pushing.... Going fast it's about a 45 min job.

Matt

 

Look for the TXspeedwerks how-to-guide for replacing the Midlands 5-spd with the Getrag 6-spd in R50 coopers. It has a step by step on dropping the subframe to get the tranny out.

 

I feared dropping the subframe too. But after I did it I was actually surprised at how easy it was. No special tools required. Just take your time and keep track of all the bolts and screws.

And the powerflex bushings are well worth it.

 

I just finished installing my alta psrs. Have nothing but great things to say about them on the car, but I will never install a set of these my self I will pay some one else to put them on ( and I do everything else myself). Biggest pain in the ****. with rust bolts and no room to work.

I would venture to guess your bushings are on the way out.