Here is the present condition of my Escalade. I dropped the front diff and lowered the steering rack to remove the oil pan. The pickup tube O-ring is a known failure point and mine was pretty bad. I am replacing the entire front end with new parts and new OEM shocks all the way around.



The oil stain under the truck is from the Cabrio oil pan gasket. Once I am done with the Caddy, I am starting on the Cabrio service and repair.

 

You need what I have to work on the mini.

 

If I had a garage and a lift I would probably be divorced! I would love a garage.

 

I got in the 2 wind deflector pieces yesterday. Main focus has been finishing up the Caddy first before I move on to other projects.

 

A silly observation: I just noticed the tennis ball hanging from the ceiling in the garage. I've had two hanging like that in our two car garage for a bit over 20 years. Dang handy especially for the lady driving the R60. Now, back to serious bidness.

 

I was going to start on the Cabrio service before I went on vacation. Some knucklehead stripped the oil drain bolt out, not this knucklehead. I messed with it for a while and ended up just ordering a new oil pan. That arrived yesterday, I was going to put an oil pan gasket on it anyway so not really anymore labor on my part. I did find the lower motor mount was trashed and I have a new one to install. I am putting a new transmission and clutch in my R50 this weekend so once I am done with that, I can go full speed ahead on the Cabrio front end rebuild and 100-thousand-mile service.

 

Nice new oil pan.

 

I got the new oil pan on with a new gasket, I also got the new lower motor mount installed. It started raining before I had a chance to change the oil filter. I can finish up tomorrow after work.

 

I got the oil filter changed out and filled with fresh oil. No leaks!! Dropped it off the jackstands. I am going to drive it while I put the new transmission and clutch in my R50. Then back on the jack stands for lower control arm bushings, ball joints and super charger service with a new water pump. I am also going to change the transmission fluid too.

 

I just about have the subframe dropped, not going that bad. Things are coming apart a lot easier than they did on the R50.

 

I got the subframe dropped and new ball joints installed. I also cleaned up the subframe some, it wasn't nearly as dirty as the R50 subframe was.
I installed the big bushing for the poly control arm bushings in the wrong direction. I called it a day and I will figure out some way to get them out and install them in the right direction tomorrow. I was hoping to get the subframe done and back in the car but this thing has fought me every step of the way. It was hot, humid, intermittent rain showers and the wife is sick. What a day.

 

Both of the control arm bushings were worn. not falling apart worn out like on the R50 but enough that I'm glad I am changing them.

 

I made me a tool and was able to get the bushings out without damaging them. I installed them the correct way and now after a minor setback I am on track again.

 

I got the ball joints installed and the new poly control arm bushings installed. I have the subframe reinstalled in the car. I pulled the radiator out and removed the supercharger and changed the oil in it, I also installed a new water pump while it was out. I installed a new crank position sensor O-ring because it was leaking oil. I have everything back together except for the front bumper cover. I am also going to install a new valve cover gasket and change the transmission oil. I also have a new fuel filter to install too.

 

You've definitely been busy. I wish you lived by me so I could help. I love working on the R52. Luckily with only 67k it will be a bit before I'll need to do the supercharger service.

 

I followed Mod Mini step for step on getting it out but I probibly could have figured it out myself. Good to follow the experts especially since this is the first time I worked on an S model. I have had the R50 apart so many times I can do it in my sleep.

 

Since I got her all serviced up, she has been driving like a dream. The new ball joints and especially the poly control arm bushings made a world of difference. The new oil pan and gasket, crank sensor O-ring and valve cover gasket stopped all the leaks! I tried to talk the wife into taking it on a 5hr road trip to the beach but she was not having it.

 

Why not. Look for the curvy scenic root.

 

Because she would rather ride in the back of our Escalade Limo. My son likes the TV too.

 

LOL, just tow the mini behind for the boring miles and save it for the twisties

 

I installed a flat tow kit on the Cabrio so I can tow it behind our motorhome. Everything I did is reversable and I didn't cut into any of the factory wiring harnesses. I have a new front emblem coming and a new set of tail lights. I need to buff the headlights out and give her a good detail. We have a trip to Pidgeon Forge next month and a trip to the beach in the summer. Can't wait to drop the top and cruise up and down the beach front road.

 

I installed new tail lights this afternoon. Much better than the worn out OEM ones.

 

Cleaned the top real good yesterday. Vacuumed and lint brushed it this morning and sprayed the first waterproofing spray, waiting the 20 minutes now and going to do another one. I have an appointment on Monday to have the front end aligned and it will be ready for vacation time! The mountains will be cool but really looking forward to the beach this summer.

 

I couldn't understand why I suddenly got a bad pull in the alignment, I found my answer. Bit the bullet and ordered new Bilstein B4 shocks, bushings and everything to go back new on the front and rear. I'm going with the same set up I put on my R50 and I love it.


The back bushings were almost non-existent.