When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Stock Problems/IssuesDiscussions related to warranty related issues and repairs, or other problems with the OEM parts and software for MINI Cooper (R50), Cabrio (R52), and Cooper S (R53) MINIs.
For those of you who have replaced your front struts... Do both ends of the lower strut bold "carrier" have threads? Or is it just a carriage bolt that threads into the back end? I broke the head off and know my limitations with drilling things out, not sure if it's alright to drive on, though... Anybody have an opinion?
For those of you who have replaced your front struts... Do both ends of the lower strut bold "carrier" have threads? Or is it just a carriage bolt that threads into the back end? I broke the head off and know my limitations with drilling things out, not sure if it's alright to drive on, though... Anybody have an opinion?
The steering knuckle fastens to the bottom of the strut like a vice. As you tighten the bolt it clamps tighter to the cylindrical end of the strut. Hence it is retained by friction exerted by the clamping force of the bolt. There is only thread on the inner side of the flange. The stock and Koni both has a stamped steel bracket with the bolt hole function as secondary retention (if the bolt becomes loose but hasn't fallen off, should someone failed to properly tighten the bolt. I will not drive the car until this is addressed.
The steering knuckle fastens to the bottom of the strut like a vice. As you tighten the bolt it clamps tighter to the cylindrical end of the strut. Hence it is retained by friction exerted by the clamping force of the bolt. There is only thread on the inner side of the flange. The stock and Koni both has a stamped steel bracket with the bolt hole function as secondary retention (if the bolt becomes loose but hasn't fallen off, should someone failed to properly tighten the bolt. I will not drive the car until this is addressed.
Sounds like only threads on the one side. Mother F. I hate Illinois so much. Stupid rust. Thanks guys, getting home is going to be fun today!
For those of you who have replaced your front struts... Do both ends of the lower strut bold "carrier" have threads? Or is it just a carriage bolt that threads into the back end? I broke the head off and know my limitations with drilling things out, not sure if it's alright to drive on, though... Anybody have an opinion?
I broke the head of my pinch bolt off when trying to replace the strut. I tried drilling it out without success. On that note and to answer your question; the pinch bolt threads through the other side of the carrier. My head broke off and I drove my DD around for 2 weeks until I could get another knuckle to replace it. Don't waste your time trying to drill it out, takes about 30 mins to replace the carrier compared to countless hours to maybe drill the bolt out.
You signature has an 05/R53, I assume you are talking about an R53, if not, nevermind....
Last edited by gumbedamit; Sep 3, 2017 at 10:32 AM.
Ahh gotcha. Well I dropped the car off at a shop. I'll let them decide. Already sent requests to a few vendors on a price though. I'd imagine a shop has a few tricks with a torch and what not.
Ahh gotcha. Well I dropped the car off at a shop. I'll let them decide. Already sent requests to a few vendors on a price though. I'd imagine a shop has a few tricks with a torch and what not.
Glad you go it fixed, I had one really rusted in there and had to heat mine up.
When I reinstalled it i put a little anti-seize on it and torqued it down to spec, next time i change strut I dont want it to snap. The Ohio winters rust those bolts into place.
