Hey guys, while doing the install for my H-sport rear swaybar with Scott (ScottGBRG I believe is his handle) we noticed that the thread in the A-arm which receives the bolt for the bottom of the shock were cross threaded, causing a full 2 or so threads to break off the bolt and making a big PITA getting the bolt back in. The bolt is back in now and sturdy but theres no way I'd be confident in getting it to stay in if I took it out again, and I've got a coilover kit on the horizon.

I asked the dealer to have a look at it but they were being jerks about me even touching it. I've got another appointment to have them fix my cigarette lighter and I'm going to give it one last attempt to have them fix it but if they don't what are my options? Any idea how much an OEM replacement arm would cost from the dealer? How about any aftermarket options?

Thanks for the help.

 

I would call the Classic MINI Parts Department in the morning. That's probably your best bet for a better than standard price on OEM parts.

 

Thanks DiD, I'll give them a call tomorrow.

 

I can see how you'd accidentally cross thread the rear shock lower bolt - it's quite succeptible to that when remounting the shock if care is not taken.

That bolt you need is part number 33-50-6-759-206 and is a M14x1.5x80 hex bolt. Not sure if the part number is quantity one or two.

Hope that helps,
Ryan

 

If it has only lost two threads AND it is now properly threaded in place without crossthreading, I wouldn't worry about it. If you are, simply thread a nut over the exposed end of the bolt for insurance.

When you pull it again, cut a few little cutting edges in the end of the bolt with a three corner file and chase the threads with that before putting back together.

If you're not happy with that, the single lower arm shouldn't cost much at all and would be easy to replace.

Good luck,

 

I did the same thing when installing mine. I bought a new bolt and tap and chased the threads before installing the bolt. I also added a nut to the back side of the installed bolt as extra insurance. It's been that way since last Sept with no problems.

 

You should have seen the engine mount that was cross-threaded at the Atlanta pulley party. This was during disassembly, mind you, and so not a consequence of something we did. It was the mount on top with the metal bracket, and the bolt was absolutely *trashed*

There is no way that the clown installing that didn't realize the mistake he'd made. A couple of guys took the bolt up to the dealer to try to get a replacement and the dealer wouldn't touch it. (without seeing the car first-hand.) Complete PITA.

--Jeff

 

Yeah, the threads on the A-arm and bolt were both cross threaded during disassembly on mine too, nothing I did. We threaded the bolt in the opposite direction and cleaned up/removed enough threads to get the bolt back in, but the A-arm itself is messed up as well as the bolt. I forgot to give Classic MINI a call today so I'll give them a call tomorrow...

 

1) Let's keep this post on subject.
2) Personal Attacks will be removed.

 

Alright, getting back on topic here. You'll have to bare with me as I don't have my MINI to look at (in CA for a few weeks while my car sits in Atlanta), so I'm trying to think back to the last time I was looking at my car. How much does the bolt stick through the arm? Is it enough to get a nut fully threaded on or is it some mickey fix?

And for those of you who have added the nut, where can one that fits be obtained?

Thanks for all the help guys.

 

a Kyle, there is about a 1/4 - 1/2 inch of thread there to get a bolt on, I believe. I just did my shocks too and think thats what I remember seeing. good luck!

 

Mine was cross-threaded from the factory (driver's side). The bolt now has a big nut on the end of it just in case it decides to try to back out.