Hi,

Last time I changed the control arm bushings on my R53 it was in 2011 and it had 45000 miles on it. They were barely torn.

I did it changing the whole thing (dropping the subframe, changed "Wishbone bracket with rubber mount left" = 31 12 6 757 561 and "Wishbone bracket with rubber mount right" = 31 12 6 757 562)

I always wondered if I did the right thing or I should have bought a press and change just the bushing, not the whole bracket. One of my mechanic friend at the time said that if it was his car he would have had done the same thing.

I'm reading this thread and I'm still thinking I did the right thing:
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...hing-help.html

Now my problem is the following:
Yes it's 5 years later, but those bushings only have 15000 miles on them and they are completely demolished. How can that be? Are they that bad?

I bought the parts at the Mini dealership at the time, is there better parts then the Mini ones? I don't feel like doing that job that often. I don't know if a got bad parts, the roads are to bad where a live or what ?

Any recommendation? Some people are installing urethane bushing, are they more durable? Is the ride rougher? With the roads we have, it's rough enough.

Thoughts? suggestions? comments?

Thanks!

Martin

 

I'm sorry for your results - really, I just finished my 4th OEM LCA replacement. My theory was they lasted 10-11 years last time....

I bought the tools to do the job. Was worth it for 2 cars worth (plus loaning them out)

Unfortunately, I can't tell you about the wear, but there's plenty of threads of people telling us to use the poly bushings (like powerflex). Perhaps poly for you next and be done with it.

 

I made the mistake of replacing my LCA bushings with OE ones at about 75K; less than 40K later they were shot. I replaced them with Powerflex and haven't regretted it; still fine at 155K.

 

I replaced mine w/ power flex around 100k, now at over 365k they are still performing like new

 

Power flex sounds like the way to go, is th ride different, rougher?

 

No. Less movement, last forever, and no discernable increase in NVH.

 

I watched a youtube video the other day of a guy removing the LCA in less than 2 minutes. Used a BFH, pickle fork and a 4' pry bar. He used the bushing removal tool to press out the old and new bushes and a big set of pliers to reinstall the LCA. Sweet.
Check it out.

 

I'd like to see that video.

Bet it wasn't a winter car with all the rust.

 

I have the power flex LCA bushings. I didn't not notice the ride getting any harsher.

 

As everyone stated, Powerflex bushings are a great upgrade and replacement vs. going with Genuine bushings. They actually give you prolonged tire life, improved performance, better handling and they are more cost-effective than OEM bushings. You can see all the bushings that they offer for your R53 HERE. Also, we have Madness Motorworks bushings installed onto our R53 that have provided some great results as well. We have 10% off on them currently until May 1st as another viable options HERE. Let me know if you have any questions about them. We also have a tech article on our site that can help you tackle the job if needed. Good luck!