2004 Cooper S here. Can the ball joint on the outside of the tie rod end not be replaced? I've looked around for that part but all I can find is the entire tie rod end (including ball joint) for sale. Thanks.

 

Not sure what you are looking for, but you certainly can replace just the ends:
https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/sho...diagId=32_1398

https://www.ecstuning.com/Mini-2004-...g/Tie_Rod/End/

 

Yep. Found the tie rod end part. I'm just wondering if the ball joint itself is replaceable WITHOUT replacing the entire end? There's no other part of the tie rod end that could suffer wear. Seems silly to me to replace the entire thing when the ball joint appears to be removable.

 

Nope, need to replace the whole rod end with ball joint.

RockAuto has some cheap options:
https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/...e+rod+end,7428

 

Ever used the Mevotech brand? Opinion?

 

I’ve used Mevotech for other cars and have been pleased with their quality. I would halve no hesitation to use their stuff for my Mini.

 

I used the lemforder ones and did the whole ends. It was easier do the whole thing as the threads and bolt if not new and rusted can be a pain to separate. I seen people and used i have used a pipe wrench and torn it up before. Then doing an alignment at a shop the hardware is all beat up.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ll-joints.html

 

To back up what ECS is saying, I believe lemforder is the OE if that is important to you. I use lemforder for all my Mini parts when available and I'm happy with them.