R50/R53 :: Hatch Talk (2002-2006) Cooper (R50) and Cooper S (R53) hatchback discussion.

R50/53 2006 rear camber issues

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Old Jan 30, 2023 | 01:35 PM
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rulowenough03's Avatar
rulowenough03
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2006 rear camber issues

Just took the S to the local alignment shop for a full alignment. After almost 2 hours of waiting i was informed that the front of the car could not be aligned due to the tie rod adjustment mechanisms being rusted solid. He heated both sides with a torch to try to break them loose but was only able to get a tiny bit of adjustment out of them. The left rear was adjusted with no issues but while trying to adjust the right rear he broke the nut? or head? of the bolt off. Its the side of the bolt visible from the rear of the car. The bolt is rusted solid in the control arm and will not budge. I was quoted 1200 bucks to replace the broken bolt and install new tie rods. He also charged me the full price for the failed alignment and broken bolt. Is the bolt easily replaceable? Is it a simple knock/drive out with an air hammer and replacement with a new bolt type thing? Nobody locally has the part i need and im sure it isnt safe to drive for even a short distance. I have an 02 parts car with good suspension components but i know the early models didnt have camber adjustments. Can these be swapped in as a temporary replacement in the 06 until i can do better?

Thanks
 
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Old Jan 30, 2023 | 01:40 PM
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rulowenough03's Avatar
rulowenough03
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Originally Posted by rulowenough03
Just took the S to the local alignment shop for a full alignment. After almost 2 hours of waiting i was informed that the front of the car could not be aligned due to the tie rod adjustment mechanisms being rusted solid. He heated both sides with a torch to try to break them loose but was only able to get a tiny bit of adjustment out of them. The left rear was adjusted with no issues but while trying to adjust the right rear he broke the nut? or head? of the bolt off. Its the side of the bolt visible from the rear of the car. The bolt is rusted solid in the control arm and will not budge. I was quoted 1200 bucks to replace the broken bolt and install new tie rods. He also charged me the full price for the failed alignment and broken bolt. Is the bolt easily replaceable? Is it a simple knock/drive out with an air hammer and replacement with a new bolt type thing? Nobody locally has the part i need and im sure it isnt safe to drive for even a short distance. I have an 02 parts car with good suspension components but i know the early models didnt have camber adjustments. Can these be swapped in as a temporary replacement in the 06 until i can do better?

Thanks

Pic for reference

 
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Old Jan 30, 2023 | 02:42 PM
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megaDan's Avatar
megaDan
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That looks like the forward trailing arm bolt....

If the bolt is so seized that the head snapped off, it's probably going to be ok for a short drive home. I'd be more worried about it twisting and damaging the bracket itself.

If it were me, I'd be ok driving it home on smooth roads. Don't take it off any sweet jumps. You're looking at drilling it out or replacing the bracket and trailing arm. Drilling that would be a PITA, I'd use this as an opportunity to replace it with non-sized components and new bushings all around. I'm not an expert on rear suspension differences, but the caliper and hubs were different (at minimum). Best of luck.

*Disclaimer*
I'm not a mechanic.
Don't take advice from strangers on the internet.
 
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