OK I need to do mine. I found this video on Youtube. Has anyone tried this? Look like you can do this in 1 hour this way. Any thought?

 

Here is the link

 

That's how I did mine. Took more than an hour because at first I tried to see how to drop the subframe and finally decided to use the torch/air hammer method. One of the bushing was easy to remove since the middle rubber part came out as I removed the control arm, so there wasn't much resistance for caving it it. But the other one took a bit more elbow grease since the rubber was still there.

The only thing I had trouble with, was putting the powerflex bushings in, as I didn't have any proper tools for this job, I ended up making a ''custom'' tool and used a tip from a co-worker who work on a rally car and made small incisions on one side of the bushing (on the ''lip'' of the side that was going first, so it could flex a bit to go in easier).

Anyway, with a torch, air hammer and a proper tool to put the bushings in (and a lift if possible), it isn't that bad of a job.

 

Hello- I am also planning to do a FCAB replacement with the Powerflex Bushings. I've been researching the various ways to do the job. I have an '05 MCS with 60K miles on it. Over my Christmas vacation I have access to a lift and a mechanically inclined brother-in-law and fellow Mini owner who has offered to help. Should I go ahead and drop the subframe and replace the ball joints too or just go for the minimally invasive procedure in this thread and just replace the bushings? I'm not having problems with the ball joints now, but I don't know how much longer they will last. I'd hate to pass up this opportunity and have the ball joint go out in a couple months. On the other hand, if they are going to make it to 80-90K before they need replacing, I'd hate to replace them now. Anyone care to chime in?