So i bought this from pelican parts for my moms 03 mini.
I've got the lower control arm completly out of the way already. I just can't get the rear bolt on the sway bar bracket out. Easiest way looks to be to drop the whole subframe? I'm i correct? And whats the easiest way to go about doing that? I've searched and looked at most of the threads for the bushing replacement on here already aswell but none of them seem to mention this part. Or i might of just skimmed over it. Thanks in advance!

 

Just did this 3 days ago! search for "front sway bar DIY" or how-to. it shows you how to drop the subframe. it really is the only way to get that stupid bolt.

 

There are two articles in this library (may need to register/login - it is free)
One is with dropping the sub frame and one not dropping.
Not dropping is much easier.

http://www.motoringalliance.com/libr...g-subframe-62/

 

i thought you had to drop it if they were pre-pressed?

 

I do not think so -- Do you mean pressed into the carrier as in your picture?

If yes, the answer is no. Just remember if you have a 1st gen the steering linkage disconnects differently.

You may want to read post 15 on this thread:
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...g-install.html

This is what convinced me it could be done.

s00perc00per are you coming to the HMMS meeting today?

 

it's not that hard to do. If I have to do it again maybe I'll try the "not drop" method.

Matt

 

Yes even if they are prepressed you have to drop the subframe, the bolts holding the bushing carriers are too long to take out without the subframe hanging down.

 

Way - Just to clarify are you saying you do not have to remove the sub-frame, but you do need to at least lower it (have it hanging down) ? Thanks

 

Sounds like the instruction was written for the 2nd Gen... does it apply to 1st Gen Minis as well?

 

The 1st gen the steering linkage disconnects differently - otherwise they they are similar.

You may want to read post 15 on this thread:
https://www.northamericanmotoring.com...g-install.html

This is what convinced me it could be done.

 

I'm currently working on a Pelican technical article to go over the procedure for replacing the control arm bushings in detail. Expect it soon.

 

How soon is soon? I'm hoping to do this very soon, and I do want to do it without dropping the frame or removing the arms if possible. I'm going to use pre-pressed bushings.

 

If you have a Gen2 there is complete how to here:
http://www.motoringalliance.com/libr...g-subframe-62/

Again the Gen1 is very much the same with the exception of the steering linkage disconnect.

 

I'm actually editing the text and pictures this very morning. Removing the subframe makes this job MUCH easier.

The control arm bushing brackets are torqued to over 100ft/lbs. Trying to loosen these with the subframe suspended isnt very easy. Removing the subframe and hitting them with an impact gun is much easier.

I replaced my control arm bushings with polyurethane ones

 

Do you mean the bolts that connect the bracket to the subframe? Not the bolt that connects the bracket to the car body.

 

No, he is saying that it's hard to remove the swaybar bolts without dropping the subframe. Even if you manage to get them loose while the subframe is hanging from the car, it's going to be a b%tch to get the bolts out, the bushings off the control arms, and the new bushings correctly on the control arms. Just drop the subframe, or better yet, take it to someone like Way to get it done. It's one of those not-so-fun DIY jobs.

 

I'm having a hard time removing the brackets. I tried the 3 jaw pullers but that isn't going anywhere. It's so frustrating. How did you guys removed the brackets ?

 

What problem are you having with the 3 jaw puller?

If the center shaft is "walking" on you try placing a small socket over the point.

 

it keeps slipping off the brackets. I rent a posi lock puller and hopefully I can remove the stubborn brackets off. Like Helix13mini said, this is "not-so-fun DIY." I would never touch this part again !!!
How much Torque did you torque all the bolts ? It seems impossible to torque the inner swaybar bolts.

 

This is a a "not-so-fun" DIY

Sounds like you need a better puller -- you will get it.

As far as torque I use this thread from K-Huevo (he has forgot more than I know about a MINI)

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...g-install.html

 

I hammered every bolt on with an impact wrench. It was the only way I was going to get anything on near 122ft/lbs.

 

but it's really easy after that. I'd wager that the hassle of doing work with the subframe still attached is greater than than hassle of dropping the subframe off the car in the first place.

Matt

 

I had a really easy time dropping the subframe last night. Getting the old bushings off the arms, separating outer ball joints from the steering knuckle with 105,000 miles on them, and getting the subframe back under the car in it's proper place- not so much.