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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 Cooper (R50), Cabrio (R52), and Cooper S (R53) MINIs.
I recently bought a 2006 R52 JCW for two reasons, first it's an awesome little car and I have always wanted a MINI, and second to learn how to fix and maintain a car while not taking my everyday car off the road.
Winter is coming and the MINI is going into my garage and up on blocks for me to work on until snow melts next spring. I have plans to replace left front axle, and then work my way through all fluids and brakes.
I am learning as I go, and everything probably takes me ten times as long as it should, but the other job is to replace one of the trailing arm bushings. If I am changing one of the bushings should I try to do them all at the same time? And based on my short list, what else should I tackling at the same time?
I recently bought a 2006 R52 JCW for two reasons, first it's an awesome little car and I have always wanted a MINI, and second to learn how to fix and maintain a car while not taking my everyday car off the road.
Winter is coming and the MINI is going into my garage and up on blocks for me to work on until snow melts next spring. I have plans to replace left front axle, and then work my way through all fluids and brakes.
I am learning as I go, and everything probably takes me ten times as long as it should, but the other job is to replace one of the trailing arm bushings. If I am changing one of the bushings should I try to do them all at the same time? And based on my short list, what else should I tackling at the same time?
KONI Special Active struts and a 19 or 22 MM adjustable RSB and I really like EBC redstuff brake pads. You won't believe the difference in handling.
PS: To quote an oldtimer herein: "Pictures dammit, pictures! Without pictures, it didn't happen."
I have plans to replace left front axle, and then work my way through all fluids and brakes.
trailing arm bushings
Welcome. Would also add to your winter list: crank pulley (get an ATI), coolant expansion tank (go aluminum) and radiator fan switch. All of these are certified BMW "day ruiners."
In case you haven't discovered him yet this guy's got a pretty good channel addressing what you're after, and much, much more.
I forgot to add some pictures. Thanks for the feedback, it will help me build out the to do list for this winter and beyond. Also, I have a few videos from ModMinis qued up.
Last edited by Johnnysunrise; Oct 17, 2023 at 06:12 AM.
I recently bought a 2006 R52 JCW for two reasons, first it's an awesome little car and I have always wanted a MINI, and second to learn how to fix and maintain a car while not taking my everyday car off the road.
Winter is coming and the MINI is going into my garage and up on blocks for me to work on until snow melts next spring. I have plans to replace left front axle, and then work my way through all fluids and brakes.
I am learning as I go, and everything probably takes me ten times as long as it should, but the other job is to replace one of the trailing arm bushings. If I am changing one of the bushings should I try to do them all at the same time? And based on my short list, what else should I tackling at the same time?
Sounds like a fun winter project. Hopefully your garage is heated?
If replacing a bushing on one side of the car, DEFINITELY replace the other side. Doing only one side will have a negative effect the handling. Might also consider ball joints all around.
Good you put the pictures up. I noticed the plastic coolant expansion tank. Replace that as well with a stainless steel one. The plastic seam will expire...usually at the most inconvenient time and place.
The top needs periodic help. Squeaky scissor joints, I use Liquid Wrench dry lube and Raggtopp for the canvass. Also, if they are available in your area, BG products are super.
