OK, so I am in the process of installing my first modification to my mini this week and ran into a snag. While installing the front Cabrio Strut Tower Support to my 2005 MCS, one little rubber screw resists all attempts at removal. I was wondering if anyone has run into the same issue...

Full instructions I am following are listed here:
http://www.billswebspace.com/MiniCab...stallation.htm

The rubber screw at issue is in the center of this picture (gold hexagon-looking bolt)...


According to the instructions the guy was able to loosen this with his fingers. Unfortunately for myself and my father, even with pliers we are unable to loosen this screw. It's as if the rubber has fused with the bracket underneath it. I can't find this part on realoem.com, so I am not sure what part number it is. I am afraid to force it any more than I have because I don't want to be without a car lol!

Anyone have any ideas on how to loosen this thing without destroying it? If need be, anyone know where I can find a replacement in case I destroy it? I'd rather have the replacement in hand before going forward.

 

That is a cap covering the pressurized air-conditioning system, can't say I'd recommend removing it.

 

I believe you are talking about the black cap above the golden hexagonal screw I am referring to.

 

As you have said, I was speaking of the red circle. Are you speaking of the Green circled area?

 

The green area is exactly what I am referring to. I'm not as computer savvy with images, so I appreciate your edit of the pic

 

Unfortunately, My R53 is before the date that they started pre-drilling those holes. So, I cannot comment on removal of these pieces. I was just trying to make sure you didn't vent your A/C gases everywhere.

 

Well I found the part online as #64119175671 in case I destroy it when removing it. Anyone have an idea on how to remove it though?

 

Spray with some lubricant, wait a bit, then get a ratchet and crank it out. If it needs replacing, then you have to get a new one.

Pliers won't work on many car repairs.

 

Just so you know for future reference taking off that cap will not let the pressure out, its just a cap. There is a valve inside the line.

 

I was able to break it loose with a small pair of pliers but it was just more than hand tight. You can always try a little PB Blaster if its being stubborn, this has worked for me more times than I can count.

 

That little rubber screw was just a nightmare. After spraying with WD40 a few times, the rubber just broke down and disintegrated. The metal portion on the bottom had fused to the metal plate underneath. Took a screw driver and hammer and worked that thing for about 15 minutes before it started to move.

It's all done now though. My first mod is done!

 

Congrats....mine was tuff to remove too. Congrats on having complected your first mod.
One suggestion....the rubber bolt/washer is there to dampen the vibration for the AC line....you might want to fashion something so the line does not fail from vibration!! A couple of plumbing washers might work...a bit of creativity can go a long way.

 

I ended up buying the exact same oem part from ECS Tuning haha.