I was following these instructions on removing struts from my 2005 R53 with stock sport suspension, (https://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/suspension/92737-springs-install-how-to.html) and noticed upon removing the pinch bolt in the steering knuckle that the bolt was being stripped as I was removing it (picture of bolt, it's a pretty big image).

I'd like to re-use this bolt, as I don't have the necessary tools to drill out the hole and I also don't have any longer spare bolts laying around to simulate an R56 setup (bolt and nut, all the way through a non-threaded hole).

Should I supporting the strut, wheel assembly or something to remove pressure on this bolt while removing it? Or is completely normal?

btw, mah first post. NAM provides a great MINI resource, thanks all.

 

Welcome to NAM.

You might ask Way for help.

see
http://www.waymotorworks.com/help.ph...us&mode=update

To look at this post with pictures and answer your questions.

 

The bolt passes through the tab on the strut, looks to me like it might be binding there. With out moving the bolt anymore you could WD 40 that and use a jack to see if you can get any up and down movement there and take the rub off the bolt. If that works go ahead and remove the bolt and see just what you've got left... If the threads in the knuckle are stripped too, someone cross threaded it and it'll have to be rethreaded. Hope this helps.. 2 cents

 

Thanks for the help.

@minimarks, sounds logical. I think I may take your advice. I'll just pull it out and have a friend with a car on standby in case I need to get a new bolt. And do the R56 setup (longer bolt with a nut on the end).

I'll update the thread as soon as I come to a conclusion.

 

Welcome.

If the strut isn't seated in the knuckle properly the bolt will rub the tab and if someone forced it through......

 

If a Mini dealer is any where close I would just replace. Real OEM ( http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...76&hg=31&fg=10 ) shows the part to be less than $3. If they are not real close I would order one and replace the next time you remove the wheel with a good coating of anti seize.

 

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...& hg=31&fg=10 Nice site...

I've ordered two replacement bolts. If they're stripped, I'll replace them. If they are cross-threaded...

...crap.