Hello, hoping someone has some advice, took the roadster in for its 30k service and they come back telling me my upper strut mount is cracked and because this is my fault they want just of 1,000 to fix it. I have attached a quick photo, any idea how bad this is and if it something i definitely caused. Thank you for your help!

 

Doesn't look very bad at this point, but it will fail inspection and will only get worse.
It might look worse from below.
Usually some bad potholes or jolts are to blame if it only has 30K on it so far.


Part is about $100*. They have to take the strut out to change it so it should take
about 1-1.5 hours labor tops. If they want more than $300 to do this, run to
an independent shop for them to do it.


* - may be marked up to $150 at some dealers - ECS has the genuine MINI part
for $100 and the Lemforder brand (same as oem) for about $30.
Get one of these two as other brands like Monroe, etc. have been a problem for some.
http://www.ecstuning.com/Mini-2013-C...ension/Shocks/

 

Thank you for the info, I though 1150 seemed expensive

 

$1000 to replace the strut mount is robbery plain and simple. You can DIY this, though you'll need a spring compressor which you can borrow/rent from AutoZone. Also an alignment after replacing is recommended.

This part shouldn't be failing at 30K. If you hit something hard enough to crack the strut mount I'd expect you'd have a dented rim or at least need a front end alignment.

 

Check out YouTube for how-to videos on replacing struts or strut mounts. I think youtube channel minimadnesstv has a decent video on this. I don't think a spring compressor is necessary.

 

Not specifically for R59 but should be just about the same:
http://www.pelicanparts.com/techarti...placement.htm#

 

Spring compressor will be necessary, because the plate is bolted to the top of the strut and without releasing the spring pressure you will never get it back on and vice versa it would be dangerous to remove because the spring is under tension with plate bolted on. Either way it is not difficult but def needed. I know because I just replaced mine with Ireland fixed camber plates...mine is a 2010 so not sure about the newer set up.

 

Thanks for the mention cristo.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...nts-split.html




Some more info above.