Hey all. I'm not sure if you read my thread or not about hitting the pothole, but I hit one at ~30-40mph and it buttom'd out my suspension. I just checked, and it also cracked my strut tower.....

How do I go about fixes this, what needs to me done, etc.

I appreciate all of the help. Oh, and I also have a bent rim on top of this, and my trim broke.....

Should I call up Classic tomorrow and see if they have the part? And what exactly...is the part that needs replacing?





Most importantly, can I drive on it like this?
-Cody

BTW: I'm out of warrenty...so no dealer options.

 

Get a replacement or take the opportunity to install camber plates. Driving this way will lead to mushrooms on the strut tower.

 

Camber plates are too expensive. How would I go about getting a replacement part? What exactly do I need?

Thanks!
-Cody

 

my god man!

 

The part you are looking for should not be expensive, try your dealership or a wrecker. Image below from realoem.

 

:O You're telling me! The impact was VERY hard...I could feel the suspension buttom out, just by how hard it did.

Daemon, thanks for all of the help! I appreciate it.

Do you think it would benefit me to try and take it off, to see exactly what is broken/cracked/warped?

-Cody

 

$5 says all your other parts will be fine.

 

Alright, thanks. I e-mailed Classic...but everyone is closed due to the Holiday, so I'll have to wait until tomorrow.

-Cody

 

Would those M7 strut tower reinforcement plates have helped to prevent that? If so, they are cheap at around $100 and just use the existing bolts.

 

From the picture,
you need to replace the upper stut mount,
pretty easy install, but the strut assembly needs to be removed from the car, you will have to compress the spring, usind the right tools and replace the upper moun)t ( it is part #1 in the detailed picture someone posted, also do not replace it with a use part.

There is a risk of damaging your hood, if complete upper mount failure hapenns, do not drive the car in this condition as it could also lead to an accident.

good luck
Victor

 

i would also keep an eye on that strut. a blow like that can damage the
piston if it did a full stroke at that kind of impact. check for leaks, any
deformity when you remove the strut from the car.

check other sus parts too...and highly recommend an alignment.

 

I just put PSS9's on the car and taking the strut out was a pain without a spring puller. We went through a lot of zip ties! You just need the upper mount. No biggy. Check the strut too. Good luck. Oh...and DON'T overtorque the strut tower nuts. They will snap.

 

Use ratching tie down straps next time.

 

The reinforcement plates will not prevent a cracked mount; they will help resist the mushrooming that would occur if you continue to drive with cracked mounts. Note resisting as opposed to preventing. You really need to replace the cracked strut mount(s).

 

Thanks guys for the help. Looks like I have some fun ahead of me....to bad I can't change out springs while I'm in there.

And Ken, I was supposed to get an alignment done by now. Guess I really will have to now!

I'll keep you guys updated!
-Cody

 

^^

well, im thinking about getting an alignment on mine this week too when
i get my fluids changed (coolant, brake, oil).

 

Thing is I don't have money lol. I'm going to see how bad it is when I fix the strut tower. Dang I hate problems...

-Cody

 

Let me know, I need to get mine replaced also. I ordered the parts from classic for 30 a piece

 

Thanks, I'm giving them a call tomorrow. Is that $30 including the 20-30% off discount?

-Cody

 

I had a similar incident with a pothole. The impact bent the strut toward the inside which pulled the edge of the wheel and tire into the strut (all toasted). I have Eibach lowering springs installed and I wonder if that didn't contribute to the strut failure. I am considering replacing with ride-height/spring rate adjustable coilovers. I use the car primarily as a street legal track day/autocross car. Anybody have experience with Megan Racing struts? Any other suggestions would be appreciated.
- Craig

 

If I had one.......

 

I get about 2-3 of these a week thru my shop. Nothing you can do about it. i do recommened a strut tower brace for the mushrooming you might get.

Ive seen em cut...cracked...ripped out completly....flattened....dome shapped....and none ever touched the hood. its covered under warranty if you still have any

 

It's a common ailment - the rubber in the upper strut mount cracking. You should have it replaced under warranty with no issues. Has nothing to do with the PSS9's, as I have seen this on totally stock suspensions...

 

FYI....Alignment is only TOE on the front of a MINI. There is no Camber adjustment in the front.

 

I have one on order, I believe it was $33 without the discount figured in.