Apparently Mini/BMW have changed not only the 05 rear trailing arm bushing, but the entire trailing arm and hub carrier are different. I cannot find out why.

If any of you are in the process of tinkering with bushings for this trailing arm, Powerflex has the new 05 bushing, but none of the distributors in the USA has one yet.

Another path:

Jeff Ireland - Ireland Engineering - will make bushing inserts for me for a set-up cost. They already have inserts available for pre 05's. I've used inserts in the past with great results. These do not require pressing bushings in or out. Simply un-bolt, install the inserts left and right and bolt back up.

 

I thought I remembered someone reporting that their car was unstable under heavy braking with a stiffer rear bushing setup, so I found the thread... https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=60601

I would be interested to hear whether you experience this problem with the inserts... please let us know how it goes!

 

Pure&simple,

Thanks for the reminder. John Petrich and I occasionally exchange PMs. I forgot about his experiment. I sent hima PM regarding this.

Jeff Ireland told me that the rear bushing does allow a certain degree of ride steer, not a welcome trait. But correcting ride steer may also un-do some other suspension subtlties that affect extreme braking stability??? However, Jeff Ireland was unaware that BMW/Mini altered the bushing design post 04. I'm not sure if there were problems with the earlier bushings, or if this alteration is designed to enhance comfort. I dunno and know one that I've talked with knows. But thanks for the reminder again.

Michael

 

Sure thing. If your results are good, I'll probably be doing this mod too. Always on the lookout for ways to make a good suspension setup even better.

 

Jeff Ireland is infact making these. The hardness or durometer is between 80-85. These are inserts for both sides fo each bushing; unbolt, install and bolt back up.

It'll be a few weeks. I won't be able feel how this modification works by itself; I'm installing all the goodies at once.