Stock Problems/Issues Discussions 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).

Suspension overhaul

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Old Sep 4, 2023 | 04:32 AM
  #1  
Papote's Avatar
Papote
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2nd Gear
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Suspension overhaul

I need to replace most of my suspension parts for my R56 2008 N14. The only thing I have replaced are the inner and outer tie rods and remanufactered rack and pinion. I don't plan on changing the springs and would like to keep as stock as possible.

I found this kit on Out Motoring. It doesn't include the sway bar bushings, nor the lower control arms. Not entirely sure what the part number for these are.

What else would I be missing from this kit?
 

Last edited by Papote; Sep 4, 2023 at 04:52 AM.
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Old Sep 4, 2023 | 06:41 AM
  #2  
RockC's Avatar
RockC
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Joined: Jan 2006
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Originally Posted by Papote
I need to replace most of my suspension parts for my R56 2008 N14. The only thing I have replaced are the inner and outer tie rods and remanufactered rack and pinion. I don't plan on changing the springs and would like to keep as stock as possible.

I found this kit on Out Motoring. It doesn't include the sway bar bushings, nor the lower control arms. Not entirely sure what the part number for these are.

What else would I be missing from this kit?
Looks pretty complete but I'm no expert.

The details do mention sway bar bushings not included. These must be ordered separately and ordered knowing the sway bar diameter.

Never refreshed the suspension of any car but I have done some suspension work. My SOP is to source new fasteners hardware. Looking over the picture of the hardware I see new nuts on the various components. But I like to replace all fastener hardware. But that's just me. If the hardware passes inspection and possibly some cleaning the hardware can be reused. (Well, unless the factory calls for new hardware. I recall one car of mine the factory called for using new brake caliper bolts when assembly the brake calipers.)
 
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Old Sep 14, 2023 | 07:33 PM
  #3  
texasmontego's Avatar
texasmontego
4th Gear
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From: Denver, CO
That kit is crazy expensive and you could buy all the components independently for much cheaper. Go to RealOEM.com and pull all the part numbers, then search the different parts houses and find all the parts. Plus, the shock/coil assemblies (Monroe, Sach make them) are available as aftermarket assemblies in factory ride rating. No hassle with disassembling the coil/shock and you get all new components and rubber assembled.
While you have the subframe out to swap the rack, go ahead and replace the control arm bushings. There is a tool available to press in/out the bushing from the housing, but if you're only planning to do it once, don't bother with buying the tool. Just buy the bushing with the housing. Can be a PITA to get the control arm back in the bushing, but a little soak/water and a vise, and it'll go on with some effort.
Control Arm Bushing w/ Housing

They are left and right specific, so get them both. You could do every other bushing, but it'll still ride like junk without these replaced. Since yours is a 2008, I bet they are dried out and most likely cracked.
Go ahead and replace the ball joints too. Outer ball joints are easy and cheap. The inner ball joints ones come with the control arm so get those too.
All that and it'll ride like it did from the factory.....up front. You'll probably want to do a similar project for the rear.
 
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