I'm getting a set of TSW springs put on tomorrow & TSW suggests cutting the bump stops about 1/2-3/4 inch "at the last bulge". I got a notion of how important this is by reading some of the posts here concerning suspenstion travel on the R56. So, I bought an extra set of the bumpstops (I have the sport suspension & rears are different) & I'm trying to cut them ahead of time before the car is apart.

Anyway, where to cut the rear bumpstops seems fairly obvious - they have a "pointed" end and a "mounting recess" end - I cut the pointed end.

To cut the front bumpstops, it looks like you have to either:

1. Cut the conical shaped end which appears to be designed so that the "spring rate" increases gradually as you compress them. - OR -

2. Cut away the straight end - its inside has a straight bore for about 1/2" and this would appear to fit accurately on the piston rod of the strut. (can't verify this 'till car is apart)

Neither one of these seems like a great choice - anyone have any experience or advice on this?

 

It's really your call on the cut. Just keep in mind that when you lower a MINI or any car, you reduce the travel and must slow down for big bumps, R&R's and driveways to avoid needing the bump stops daily. Yes you may need them from time to time, but they are not there for daily use.

 

on a similar topic, does anyone make stiffer bump stops for the mini?

i know they're fairly common for other cars as they are shorter and stiffer, reducing the possibility for serious damage on large bumps that you can't avoid.

 

I know PowerFlex makes a bump stop kit with damper boot too. I've not seen it but the pics look good.

 

Hi Dan,

I assume you are getting this done at Pete's shop. I was a little worried about this also. Pete's guy knew exactly how to cut them and he cut them just as the instructions said. He cut them with a cut off wheel and cleaned them up real nice. He cut approximately 1/2 inch off. Maybe I'll see you there tomorrow, I am coming by after work around 3.

 

Hi Dan - might see you there if you're still around a little later.

Here's a little illustration of the question - I added a hack approximation of what the inside dia. looks like - hope anyone who's interested can see what I'm talking about. In all probability, the truth will reveal itself tomorow...