Hi,
new here, know the forum for awhile and bought my first Mini R53 few weeks ago.
initially removed front subframe for service auto transmission but for my surprise, subframe is very rust.
once is off the car I decided to replace all bushings.

My problem is, removing the bolts that hold sway bar and control arm bushing, I know they are pretty well torqued, tried impact gun and breaker bar but no success.
How should I go about It with out damaging subframe threads? also bolts holding the steering rack are frozen.

Anyone has experiencing the same?

Any help works, Thank you

 

penetrating oil. Spray all of the bolts and rear threads that you can get to. Let it soak in for a few days to a week. Try after leaving to soak in. Note: WD40 is not penetrating oil.

 

Thanks, I have been spraying everyday this week. Do you think heat would help? Torch at top of the bolt or bottom subframe?

 

There's penetrating oil, and then there's penetrating oil. Maybe try some of this

 

penetrating oil.
heat.
Longer breaker bar.

 

Heat the threads at the bottom of the subframe. Use anti-seize upon reassembly.

 

Thank to all, heat the bottom threads and top of the bolt, it worked like a charm, was able to take all the screws. Should I use blue thread lock when reassemble it or anti seize?

now power steering rack pressure hose is in really bad shape, very rusty. Just ordered all hoses to replace. There is any special procedure to bleed steering system?

 

Nope just turn the wheel full left and then full right a few times.

 

Thanks!!

 

Now that I have service transmission I would like to turn on the car and go trough all the gears to make sure they engage. Can I do it without steering pump being connected? Just wondering, I don’t want to mess with electronics.