My 02 MCS has 130,000 miles on it, the ride is pretty harsh and I took it in the other day and they said I have leaks on 2 of the shocks. So I am replacing my Shocks and struts with Koni FSD (I am hoping for a much smoother ride)

Anyway, is there any bushings or mounts that I should replace while I am replacing the suspension. I do have a minor knocking sound up front at times and it seems like I read somewhere that this is a common prob and some bushing needs to be replaced. Thanks for the help.

 

Yes, I wish I had gotten a new pair of the strut bellows for the shocks.

 

Front lower control arm bushings.

 

In addition to the CAB's ( Maybe Powerflex brand ? ) I would also consider new set of OEM spring pads for the front and the "additional shock absorber" pads for the rear, then have an alignment done by the dealer. Many alignment shops out there either are unable to properly do one, fake it, or give MINI owners the bums rush stating they can't/don't want to do it....

If you are swapping out the suspension components yourself, it would also be a good time to clean up and paint the front/rear calipers...... if so inclined.

 

Gray Raven: Could you please elaborate on what you are describing?

 

With that kind of mileage a set of powerflex control arm bushings and front sway bar bushings would be best to replace.

 

Also add the inner and outer ball joints to the list.

 

CAB= Control Arm Bushings- I run powerflex purple. They make yellow, purple and black. Black are the hardest but give some NVH. ( Noise Vibration / Harshness to the ride )

My sway bar busings are also Powerflex purple, but next time I may go black. Huge gains there as the stock front bars are perfect for our cars so these really help an already great front bar thickness.

The other parts for the struts are only available from MINI. If you call them and just tell them what I wrote, they will know. Two months ago I contacted Powerflex of the UK about these same parts to see if they would/could make them. They were not interested...

 

Also check the top strut bushing/mount (can see from the engine compartment). The rubber tends to crack/tear. If it needs replacement, I would suggest the IE Fixed Camber Plates because they are stronger than the OEM mounts.
http://www.waymotorworks.com/ireland...e-r50-r53.html