I'm having an argument with my independent MINI-centric mechanic. He replaced my LCA bushings with OE at about 75K and did not push me to get an alignment. Now at 121K the OE are shot again, and I'm going with Powerflex. My mechanic insists on selling me an alignment, simply because of the bushing change, not any uneven tire wear, etc. Cash is in short supply. Who is right here? TIA.

 

bump

 

My thinking is an alignment once a year is a good thing, and I would take it somewhere else to have it done just for the cost of it.. My dealer probably wants aound $100 or so, and I can get it done for $65, less then a mile away, and they will let me give them the settings I want it set too...

 

You should get an alignment after changing the bushings. If something in the susprnsion has changed during the install, you can have poor tire wear which is likely more expensive to replace. I find that sometimes alignments can also improve the fuel economy of my car.

 

Front toe-in settings wander a bit with worn bushings as the wheels can move to and fro
a little and it's hard to get a consistent reading, but they are very stable after
replacing the bushings. I'd check front toe afterwards to make sure it's correct as too
much/little will greatly increase tire wear and change straight ahead stability.

Camber can shift with this work if the subframe isn't put back exactly where it was
initially, although I don't think there's enough side-to-side leeway to make much of
a difference most of the time. I've had this done twice without an alignment, and the
camber was exactly the same after as before. Checking the front camber wouldn't hurt,
though.
The caster shouldn't change and neither should the rear wheel alignment unless they
drop the MINI off of the lift.

 

You should check if you have a Firestone nearby, they sell a (car) lifetime alignment for 170 I think. Seemed like a good deal to me

 

+1 for the Firestone deal. Also many dealerships usually have a monthly or weekly deal going on ($69.99 at South Bay BMW not too long ago). I've also heard an alignment is recommended whenever suspension components are replaced (even bushings - not quite sure how necessary this is though).

 

Call around to see who offers a lifetime alignment deal, not all shops will take a lowered MINI.

Alignment about once a year is helpful to allow for best tire wear and handling. About $90-120 is common with specialty shops and some chain shops will run specials and charge less to draw in customers.

OEM bushings that wear out in 50,000 miles? That's a little early but on rough roads it is possible. Powerflex bushings are stiffer and better for handling and performance but might wear even faster. Try checking with Way at Way Motor works and see what he says for your situation.

Look for other worn out suspension parts and see if there is anything else contributing to your problem.

 

My OEM bushings wore out in about 30K on our rough PA roads.
My second set of OEM's wore out in another 30K.
Now I have Powerflex ones, and the word I've heard is that they last several times longer than OEM.