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'wasn't sure which forum applies to this question.
I have come across a couple of discussion in the past with regards to adding/fitting R52 reinforcement (chassis) braces on a R50 - R53 1st gen Mini.
Unfortunately in my search; I can't seem to land on the right thread.
Just curious - Do these braces alone add any benefit?
Please explain. image pulled from google search.
I recently came across a pair at a local salvage yard.
'thought I'd might snag them up.
My new OEM set of R52 braces plus OEM screws are ready to install on both my R53 and my buddy's too. Main reason I/we chose to buy these is claimed reduction in dash/interior rattles by stiffening the front strut tower to lower unibody connection. Unsure if it'll actually do that but the tubular weldments are very light and don't require much time to install. I wouldn't have considered these unless for FL model with threaded locations (weldnuts?) already in place. This install tutorial is worth the read:
Also, be certain to obtain or purchase the OEM M6x14 screws. I nearly bought Chinese "equivalents" until reading of substandard SS plus apparently lousy cold heading standards (Amazon user reports of rusting plus heads popping off when tightened). New OEM braces and screws are still available to order from OEM MINI parts dealers, despite many google page views showing "discontinued". Screws aren't unique to R52 fitment but aren't commonly used or found on newer applications. This was the lowest price found recently (8/set req'd), with no tax charged but prox $10 postage to my location:
Last edited by MCS4FUN; Dec 3, 2022 at 03:29 PM.
Reason: R52 brace screws arrived today
Ditto on reducing dash rattles. Back when I bought mine new bars and hardware were only $45 for everything so it was a no-brainer for me but I’m not so sure at todays costs. I know the crimps in the bars are most likely designed to crumple in a crash, but I wonder if straight bars would make a noticeable difference in stiffness.
Hey - Thanx all for chiming in.
@ $20 for the pair and thanks to MCS4FUN for the rundown on the torx - I'll go back to the yard and pick them up.
Although I have no noises or issues coming from my dash, it's really just blind luck I came across them. 1st gens aren't landing the salvage yards like they use to.
Trying to take advantage of the opportunities while I can.
Here's pics of mine installed, i painted them red to match stuff at the time. I have a set and hardware fir sale too if anyone wants a set..
i couldnt feel anybit if a difference but i can say i have almost NO rattles inside and absolutely no dash rattle which is pretty common ive knoticed. My dash did rattle abit on bumps prior to installing the bars and since then. I have none. Even with all my stiffening mods.
No coincidence - the universe is against me.
Went back to the salvage yard this morning to score those braces that I had stashed under the seat of a Jetta next to the R52 (that was just 2wo weeks ago).
Gone. Both the R52 & Jetta made their way to the crusher.
Oh well. It wasn't a total waste of the day. The roads were clear so I took the opportunity to bounce my boost needle around a bit.
No coincidence - the universe is against me.
Went back to the salvage yard this morning to score those braces that I had stashed under the seat of a Jetta next to the R52 (that was just 2wo weeks ago).
Gone. Both the R52 & Jetta made their way to the crusher.
Oh well. It wasn't a total waste of the day. The roads were clear so I took the opportunity to bounce my boost needle around a bit.
lol I feel the same .... I'd spent awhile removing the wiring harness ect as I started from inside the car and back towards the hood but I also found oem rally lights and just as I got the last pop rivets out I seen both backsides of the housings had rust holes in the bottom back, the fronts and top back were perfect...ugh.
if anybody finds these in a yard I highly suggest spraying all the bolts and while they're soaking , take your bit and a hammer and hit it into the bolts to clean and chase the threads a little and help the penetrating lube work down.
the bolts can strip very easily because they like to lock in with rust and locktite the factory uses.
topmost had 2x sets but someone befor me tried removing the other set or the p.o did and all but 2x of the bolts were rounded out and the 2x that were left. I didn't prep them and they immediately stripped..
Pelican has a nice write on the install procedure for your situation.
I would not care to do the procedure outlined if no weldnuts preinstalled. With unproven benefits of these braces for R50/R53, IMO, too much labor hassle to install unless the car is factory ready to accept them.
I installed mine this morning w/o issues but then, obviously has those threaded locations being 2006 production built Nov 2005. Driver side lowermost was clearly visible but risk of dropping a spendy screw had me taping that to the T30 bit and gently guiding into position until threads started, then pulling off that tape. We'll do same on my buddy's 2006 Checkmate JCW tomorrow or the next day...
I would not care to do the procedure outlined if no weldnuts preinstalled. With unproven benefits of these braces for R50/R53, IMO, too much labor hassle to install unless the car is factory ready to accept them.
I installed mine this morning w/o issues but then, obviously has those threaded locations being 2006 production built Nov 2005. Driver side lowermost was clearly visible but risk of dropping a spendy screw had me taping that to the T30 bit and gently guiding into position until threads started, then pulling off that tape. We'll do same on my buddy's 2006 Checkmate JCW tomorrow or the next day...
I can tell you fir certain. The bars DEFINITELY stopped what little dash rattling I had after doing all performance suspension throughout.
I never realized how much rattling they prevented until I had removed them to repaint and took it for a drive while they were drying. Lol I heard extra random rattle and it didn't occur to me that the bars were stopping them until I had reinstalled them.
lolol I even went throughout the car tightening every panel screw and adding stuff behind them or where they meet to stop rattles. It was all fir nothing because the bars once installed stopped those rattles that i was hearing when i had them off.. lol all my panel tightening wasn't needed.
also installing the nutcerts is a pretty strait forward job.
Just lay the bars in spot , mark the holes , drill them through and put in the nutcerts or you could tap the holes but that would take awhile...
imo ,, if you have rattles around your windshield and dash arearea.. I suggest trying these. They obviously DO strengthen the car otherwise mini wouldn't have wasted time and money producing and installing these..
^^^ I paid less than that for 2 new sets including shipping from Europe (excluding OEM screws).
BTW, I believe there are 3 used sets currently available in the NAM forum classifieds...
I'm not suggesting that I feel fortunate to have the support brace mounting holes in my pre-facelift.
However - I see no problem with Pelicans improvised instructionable for the "less fortunate".
Personally feel that any competent person with a certain amount of mechanical ability can preform this mod successfully.
I have used those threaded nut inserts (McMaster Carr) in the past with no problems and nary a worry.
It's not those braces will be the only thing holding the car together. Geez.
Let me preface by saying: With all due respect and consideration: I did source ebay with regard to the chassis braces. Most availability , (if not all), we're listings from the UK - USED @ $100+ /+SHIPPING (USD).
Look closely = zoom in. Notice how rusty some of these things are!
Just my observation.
Again , since I've listed these a few people have paid more , for worse condition bars with no hardware... try using the search button on this site guys , it does work well.. alot of times I see people asking to buy parts , when those asked for parts are have numerous listing in the forsale section..example 1x
As I mentioned some days ago, (3) used sets currently in forum classifieds (incl MMA's above plus ad by forum member mikehks whom operates a recycled MINI parts biz in FL). Also a set on ALLMAG's website at $150 with hdwe seemingly in good condition. Since I was buying sets for (2) R53, I'd chose to buy new braces (diagonal rods) from Schmiedmann at a favorable exchange rate. If buying used, I'd rather know whether the donor car had front end collision which might have compromised the crumple feature mentioned by RB-MINI. Going to salvage yard with eyes-on before removal or online from a reputable seller adds assurance vs eBay seller with unknown history or condition of parts. Although braces aren't a structural necessity, might as well determine that before shelling out $$.
