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Stock Problems/IssuesDiscussions related to warranty related issues and repairs, or other problems with the OEM parts and software for MINI Clubman (R55), Cooper and Cooper S(R56), and Cabrio (R57).
I am planning on changing the bushings in the front lower control arm. Can anyone give me any tips onhow to get the inner ball joint to break loose. I got the outer one off (one on the wheel hub) but the inner is not coming free. My control arm looks like the one below where the inner ball joint is integrated I to the arm
That wont get it off, you need a pickle fork type and the bigger the better pushed inbetween the arm and the subframe. Took 15-20 minutes battering it with a 5kg hammer to get it off last month. That picture os for a small ball joint that you can get access to.
Honestly, you would be better dropping the subframe enough to get access to the bushing housing bolts. I can also tell you that getting the bushing off the end of the control arm (the hexagonal shaft) is a nightmare too. Some come off easily, mine required a puller. You'll need a bushing extractor (or bench press) to get the bush itself out and to push the new one in. The Youtube videos I have seen where everything slips out and on again... complete humbug. Having warned about those things, the results of powerflex over oem clapped out bushes is amazing and well worth the effort however you do it.
the one that I have,looks just like the one in the link you sent me, was not big enough to get around the base of the ball joint. So it doesn't slide in enough to get to the bolt maybe there are bigger ones
That wont get it off, you need a pickle fork type and the bigger the better pushed inbetween the arm and the subframe. Took 15-20 minutes battering it with a 5kg hammer to get it off last month. That picture os for a small ball joint that you can get access to.
the pickle fork that I have does not seem to have a wide enough opening to go around the ball joint I will head to harbor freight to see what I can get, else I will buy a bigger pickle fork on the internet
the pickle fork that I have does not seem to have a wide enough opening to go around the ball joint I will head to harbor freight to see what I can get, else I will buy a bigger pickle fork on the internet
Also note, you will 99% tear the ball joint seal/rubber when you get a pickle fork that fits. It is a real struggle. Touch up the subframe with anti rust paint before reassembly because the pickle fork takes the paint off.
Also note, you will 99% tear the ball joint seal/rubber when you get a pickle fork that fits. It is a real struggle. Touch up the subframe with anti rust paint before reassembly because the pickle fork takes the paint off.
I went to harbor freight and got a pickle fork assortment (20% off ) that did the trick. Only took a couple of good whacks. I did cut the rubber. Shame, with that control arm design a small rubber boot cost about $100.
I got a cheap bushing removal tool from ebay. The threaded rod they provided stripped in the first two turns of the nut. No problem, they sent me two! second one stripped just as fast. I knew it was a gamble but you would think it would at least sort of mimic accomplishment of its intended purpose.
I am going to go look for a piece of threaded rod and cob together what is left of the tool, I wasn't planning on lowering the subframe but it is a possibility. Any good links to a YouTube or instructions on how to do it.
I also watched you tube videos with guys cutting it out with a sawzall any suggestions.
