2008, base model hatchback. Stock 21.5mm front sway bar.

I'm looking to replace the stock bushings with new poly ones. The BMW-MINI dealer has the OEM bushings in stock - but I'd like to upgrade to poly since I'm changing them anyway.

Anyone have a source? I've searched all the usual places. I can't seem to find any in 21.5mm diameter. There are lots available in other sizes (22.5, 24, etc) but I can find none in 21.5.

Rear sway bar bushings (16mm) are available... but no fronts?

Thanks in advance.

 

PowerFlex http://powerflexusa.com/minigen2fron...arbushing.aspx has them, purchase from various MINI parts places like ECS Tuning, etc

 

Thanks.

But - The link you provided has 22.5 and 24mm bushings - no 21.5mm.

I've checked ECS, Powerflex, Energy susp., Prothane, etc. - - same result.

The only 21.5mm bushings I can find are the stock BMW OEM ones.

No love for the Justa?

 

Its a pretty big job to replace the bushings. I assume that you want to get better response? Swap out the bar at the same time with one that is a common size that you can get bushings for. You can probably find someone to give you one.

While you are doing this, replace the front control arm bushings with the Powerflex ones. The car felt better when I did this, no additional harshness. Plan on at least 4 hours to do the sway bar bushings and control arm bushings. You need to drop the subframe and disconnect the rack.

Big gains in response by swapping to a bigger RSB also.

Have fun,
Mike

 

Hi 33!

Here is a complete poly performance package for your R56! Please let us know if we can help, and check out the handling articles, too!

http://new.minimania.com/part/G2NMS5...k-Gen2-R55-r59 Discount good until end of the month.

 

For the Cooper and Cooper S I'm only showing 22.5, 24, 16, 17, and 18 mm bushings from Powerflex for the front sway bar.

http://www.pelicanparts.com/catalog/...SUSPRF_pg4.htm

Whiteline only has 22 mm.

http://www.pelicanparts.com/catalog/..._pg1.htm#item3

OEM/Genuine bushings are the only ones I have found that are available in 21.5 mm

http://www.pelicanparts.com/catalog/...pg6.htm#item21

 

Thanks for the responses, everyone.

So... it looks like I have two choices: swap out the 21.5mm stock front sway bar to a slightly bigger one that has poly bushings available for it; or just go with the stock BMW-MINI bushings.

I'll probably just go with the stock items.

It seems odd to me that no one makes an upgraded bushing for the stock Justa front sway bar @ 21.5mm. I guess I'm the only one who ever wanted to replace the stock bushings with something better while leaving the original sway bar in place?

No Justa love!

Thanks again.

 

Why do you want to do that. Poly bushings are PITA, you have to grease them or they are going to squeak. Stick with the OEM rubber bushings. Unless you are autocrossing your car you don't need to replace the rubber.

 

My stock rubber ones are making a knocking noise at low speeds & cold temps. Since I have to change them anyway (and they are such a PITA to change), I wanted to upgrade them. I've had very good results directly replacing stock bushings with poly ones several times on several different vehicles. The poly ones last much longer.They don't squeak if you coat the bores with the sticky grease that comes with them when you're installing them.

No matter - looks like I'll be replacing my noisy ones with the stock rubber items anyway.