I'm in the process of getting some oil leaks fixed and refreshing my front-end suspension. Well, I'm currently replacing my 5-year-old Powerflex LCABs with new poly Problem Solving Bushings...In the process of this I was trying to be the fastest shade tree mechanic I could be and screwed the pooch. Turns out I installed both LCA bushings backward.

Apparently PSB bushings don't come with great instructions, the videos are much mmore informative. I need not blame them because of my mistake but I'm going crazy with my MINI on jackstands almost 2 months now.

I've already burnt-out a set of Powerflex bushings and hope not to buy anymore. So, does anyone know how to get these bushings out without destroying them?

 

Did you get them pressed out? I would try and if you damage them get a new set. If you get one ok ok, we sell them individual on that part also.

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-psb-part...ch/psb640~psb/

 

No dice, I have no idea how to go about the process since both ends are flanged and the polyurethane seems to damage under pressure.

Edit: What's the worse that could happen if I were to install everything with the LCABS in backward?

 

Those look like they're a similar design to the Powerflex bushings, so my guess is that the worst that happens is what you've already experienced - the inner bushing backs out.

How did you install them? I would think a shop press and appropriately-sized socket or sleeve could remove them pretty easily. The polyurethane should be decently flexible.

 

I used a piece of thread stock, an assortment of large washers, and nuts. That seems the easiest, cheapest, most reliable DIY way if you don't have a press or large enough vice.

I do have a 2/3/4 arm gear puller, I'm just not sure how that would press it out. I tried it once before with my large impact gun and washer on the backside of a large socket... That method just created so much friction the Power Flex bushing started to melt.

Would a local auto shop have a press or would that be more of a machine shop kinda thing?

 

Either should have a shop press.

You can also buy a special tool for the r53 bushing removal/install or just a regular universal press kit with sleeves and threaded rods with bearings, but that might be more expensive than having a shop do it. I bought a cheap 20 ton harbor freight press a few years ago, so I've never needed to pay a shop and don't know what the going rate is these days.

 

Got it. I'm going to check the local parts stores, there are a couple of knowledgeable guys that may have a loaner tool, if not I'll get a Harbor Freight press.

Beats buying new bushings and waiting a week for parts. 👍

 

You’ll need a kit like this to pull the bushings out and reinstall

https://www.harborfreight.com/automo...ece-63728.html

 

I did the same thing. I used a little soapy water and a tie rod end tool and flat piece of metal. Easy peeasy and no damage. Don't feel bad, I did it wrong on my R50 and then wrong again on the Cabrio.

 

I don't "need" that, just more time and sleep.

Welp, I got one off using the same threaded rod, nuts & large washers, along with a perfectly sized piece of PVC for a sleeve. All this wasted time...
I ended up checking PSB and Power Flex's diagrams. As it turns out I should get more sleep, I had installed them correctly, with the insert flat against the washer on the arm. But I swear on PSB's site they said to "have the smallest red area facing the arm."

Hopefully, someone will Google how to remove polyurethane lower control arm bushings and find this. The threaded stock, washers, and nuts method is effective.

Thanks @deepgrey and NAM for always helping a brotha aht!

 

just buy the right tool, it makes them easy! you can get the press/push tool for 35 $ on ebay I have used mine many times

 

Andrew I am not sure if you still need these. These are still available. Make me an offer. This is listed in the marketplace.

Madness Polyurethane front Lower Control Arm Bushings with Carriers

thanks, Steve

 

Okay, so all front bushings, ball joints, and problematic gaskets on the engine have been replaced along with a few hoses. After getting the subframe back under the car I noticed that my driver's side bushing differed from the passenger side.




Just held the measurement tool up for representative purposes. Also, I never noticed this on the Powerflex bushings, but the washer is loose and can be slid back and forth.

I'm not sure if this is normal, maybe someone can clarify.

 

Are you saying that the black bushings are different side-to-side? I can’t quite tell what I’m seeing in the photos. They should be identical or close to it though.

I don’t remember for sure how my powerflex washers are, but I want to say that they’re pretty snug.

 

The black bushings are identical.

It's the washers I'm worried about, they can slide back and forth on both sides. There's close to the same amount of play in both.

I want to say that I remember from a few years ago someone posted that when installing the poly bushings you should measure something or another... I've looked for the post in the PF bushing install how-to's and haven't found anything.

I'm probably over thinking this... just want to get the MINI back to 100%.

 

I want to say you're overthinking it. There shouldn't be much load on those bushing in that direction. Most of the load, if not all, is radial load as the control arm goes up and down.