Also top of strut towers are cracked like that one pic shown. I also measured from top of tire to top of wheel well, one side was 4", and other was 3".

Every now and then when I go over a bump I can hear something sounding like its popping out of place on the passenger side which is why I got a little suspicious.

 

Well let the suspension mods begin.

 

Is it safe to drive? I don't have any money for suspention mods.

 

Yes , you do need a new strut mount, that needs replaced. I have not seen one that bad in a while. Are both cracked, you will need 2.

From 3/2002- production.


http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/31306778833/



Not hard to install but you will need to compress the spring to detach. This gives you some options. Some come with the nuts and some dot dependent on manufacturer.


Here are some how to:

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ment-tips.html

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ut-mounts.html

Thanks and hop that helps.

 

I don't have the money right now, but when I get paid Friday I will order 2 strut mounts, and hopefully find a strut spring compressor for rent. Do you only use the spring compressor to get the strut out up out of the knuckle? I replaced an axle boot, and had a hell of a time getting the strut out, and back in, but didn't use any special tools. Also anything else I should go and replace while I have the car ripped apart?

 

Just realized tonight that the rear, and front passenger side is low. Back side is almost rubbing the tire. When I take a turn I can feel the car jerk.

I just listed the car up on craigslist, have about $10,000 into it, and just give up on this. I know suspention will cost a lot, and already $15,000 in debt from my last job. My current job is just paying my minimum credit card bills, gas, food, ect. No fun. Soon working 2 jobs, but going to need a reliable car. This one has been reliable, but I know this isn't looking good.

 

I replaced the passenger side strut mount with success. Found out why there is so much of a difference on the drivers side. The strut on the drivers side was never put together right. The hole for the bolt to go through to hold the strut mount to the car is above the groove for it to slide down, so the bolt was never in the hole. Thats why the strut keeps popping and stuff every now and then. I removed the bolt today, and didn't put it back in cause I can't get the strut out, or even get it to go down a few more inches. How do I go about doing that? Drive around for a while without the strut bolt? I tried prying the things apart to give the strut room to move, tried to put something under the strut, and jack it up, but the car goes up with the strut off the stand. Not sure what to do now other then drive it for a while like it is, and it should fix itself.

 

Do you have pictures of the strut connection? You did not give me the production month / year of your MINI.

Top of strut.




Bottom of strut mount.




If that helps.

 

Its a 2003 mini cooper, and those connections pictured are correct. I was talking about the strut, and knuckle. It was in the knuckle about 1/2". I drove the car to and from work today, got home, and the strut was a little loser in the knuckle where I could get it out, replaced the mount, but couldn't get it down in. I got a hammer, and beat the crap out of the strut to get it down all the way. Also had pressure with the jack to help.