[Zute]

OK, this will probably seem like a stupid question to many people but here goes:

Just been told by the dealer that I need a "Nearside front trailing arm bush", which will cost me £158 fitted! Obviously, I'd like to explore alternatives, such as getting a tame local generic garage to do the work (as my car is out of warranty). Also, since I'd be replacing a worn suspension bush, I might be better off buying the Powerflex equivalent instead of OEM (granted that I'd have to have both sides done instead of just the nearside).

However, not knowing much about suspension I'm not quite clear on exactly WHAT my dealer is referring to. Is it likely to be a FRONT bush of the REAR trailing arm (i.e. this) or one or REAR bushes of the FRONT suspension (i.e. this).

Also, how hard is the replacement? Could it be a DIY job or is it best left to a pro?

[MINI-Morgan]

I'd be interested to know how hard of a job it is too...

[roland2003]

Hi,I would say he means the large cylindrical bush on the trailing (ie rearmost) end of the front control arm. We now have all our own GTT tooling for removing std bush and refitting either stock or Superflex. I would say the Superflex is better than Powerflex ,as with a pry-bar levering behind it the Powerflex's still has some (not a lot) of slop in them. The Superflex has none. They are a bit more expensive (they have a steel outer sleeve) but in view of it being a biggish job, you only want to do it once. Ride quality/noise/vibration is unaffected with either. I wouldnt refit stock ones they move a heck of a lot ,even when new!
This job is 'almost' impossible as a DIY job on the driveway.

[Zute]

So how much for a pair?

Also, I notice that the Powerflex bushes are available with a steel support - how would that make them compare with the Superflex?

[k-huevo]

For street use, the stock bushing is an adequate performer and it is much more comfortable than a poly bushings. The OEM bushing is fluid filled to help dampen vibrations and jolts. The pivot end of the lower wishbone articulates on more than one plane, a rigid bushing will not allow free movement like the stock’s elastic suspended bushing. Something that is not mentioned is how hard polyurethane becomes in cold weather; the ride gets rough.

Here is a how-to with a couple of approaches to the bushing removal or bracket replacement. Lone Star Mini Club Forums - Front Control Arm Bushing Install The rear trailing arm bracket is even easier if that turns out to be the bushing needing replacement.

[roland2003]

The Superflex bushes eliminates the play and doesnt make anything crashy. Ive not tried the Powerflex with the steel support, but its not the same as Superflex. These have a steel sleeve on the outside like the stock ones. Stock ones are not fluid filled (we drilled about 10 holes in one and nothing comes out) .
Best Regards Roland GTT

[k-huevo]

A healthy front control arm bushing will have fluid MINI COOPER :: North American Motoring - Blood from a stone & oil from a bushing? . I have seen new bushings leaking in the factory packed box so be sure to inspect your stock bushing before installing. A leaking bushing is indicative of impending failure, because if the rubber is compromised enough to allow the internal fluid to escape, a larger tear is not far behind.

As I said before, the control arm pivot has many degrees of articulation, rotation, rocking, swiping, and in & out. Try this with a poly bushing, with the strut removed, lift and lower the control arm; it will hold its position. The stock bushing equipped control arm will fall freely and lift easily. I prefer unimpeded suspension movement. Watch the pivot while running the arm through its range of motion and you will see the pivot swipe like running your finger inside a jar to remove the last bit of favorite spread. This action is because of the lower wishbones geometries. A spherical bearing would be more accommodating but very harsh. There is a product that has a bit of both designs, but again for the street, the OEM bushing is the best option.

[Damo]

Is this paticular bushing what Alta supply these to replace...

Alta Mini Performance - Positive Steering Response System

[MINIdriver85]

I've ftted the Powerflex ones (both front and rear axles) and I can say that the ride comfort diminishes lots, I don't really care but if you do this is something you should consider.