2005 Cooper Conv - we had the dealer replace the control arm bushings at 20,310 miles - that was 5 years ago - we now have 35k miles and they are saying it needs to be done yet again for $725? Is this normal? I see many postings for high miles 60-80k... never for 20k then again 15k miles later.

 

I just replaced mine myself and it is very easy to check them. To check the right side, turn the wheel full lock to the right and kick the front of the tire....if the tire shakes or wobbles, the bushing is bad. Turn wheel left and repeat on the left side to check there.

I'd say its unlikely that they would be that bad in that amount of miles, but I suppose it's possible depending on how the car was driven. Also, rubber parts do degrade over time, so that 5 years time could have had something to do with it if they really are bad. It is a common prob on MINIs.

I replaced mine with powerflex bushings and would suggest you do the same if they truly are bad. You would likely never need to change them again if replaced with powerflex.

Hope that helps. Good luck.

 

Here's a video of someone performing the "test" on their MINI....

 

Powerflex SHOULD last for life....difference in ride quality will not be noticible unless you are told it might slightly more harsh...pretty small change....
Life of rubber parts, especially on a suspensions is highly variable....age is as much of a factor with rubber as use....that is WHY most folks go powerflex as opposed to the crappy rubber OEM ones....

 

For the lower control arm bushings:




If you can looks at then for separate in the rubber to metal or for cracks or breaks, with that low of mileage I would not think they would be bad ? Or test them above for flex.

Here is a thread with the main bushings and the Powerflex version; Powerflex version just need pressed in. Old ones pressed out of course.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ll-joints.html




I would check those bushings again as it a bit of a job to install new ones.

Thanks