MINI2

Keith · Apr 7th, 2002, 08:04 AM

I'd like to lower my MINI (when I get it) and need to decide whether to do this myself. The S being built next month has less options than I was originally going to get so I have money to spend on fun stuff!!

What are the steps and tools needed - I assume I need spring compressors?? I don't have a garage or even a paved driveway so am tempted to just pay someone rather than buy the necessary tools. How many hours labor would be a reasonable charge from a mechanic for this job?

smiffy · Apr 7th, 2002, 11:22 AM

Get the job done by a skilled pro who knows what he is doing & the job should be done in 3-4 hours tops

chiph · Apr 7th, 2002, 01:30 PM

Spring compressors can be very dangerous. I helped a friend change out his struts/springs on his Acura Integra, and we had one of them slip -- could have easily lost a couple of fingers or ended up in the emergency room. Even seasoned mechanics don't really enjoy working with them.

Like Smiffy says, about 3 to 4 hours for all four wheels. The better shops have a wall-mounted spring compressor that makes things much easier and safer.

Chip H.

Racer · Apr 7th, 2002, 02:09 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Keith
I'd like to lower my MINI (when I get it) and need to decide whether to do this myself. The S being built next month has less options than I was originally going to get so I have money to spend on fun stuff!!

What are the steps and tools needed - I assume I need spring compressors?? I don't have a garage or even a paved driveway so am tempted to just pay someone rather than buy the necessary tools. How many hours labor would be a reasonable charge from a mechanic for this job?

If you buy shocks which have adjustable seats/coil overs you wont need spring compressors - Good socket set should see it done and it's about a 20-30min per corner job - having said that if you don't have a garage/paved area abd havn't done anything similar before get someone else to do it for you - far less hassle

NB if you do it yourself when you take the old strut out make sure the driveshafts DO NOT fall out having someone or something standing by to hold them whilst you position new shock

Apr 7th, 2002, 08:04 AM	#1
Keith MINI2 Senior Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: SW Florida Local Time: 06:18 PM Posts: 687 Offline	How to install lowering springs? I'd like to lower my MINI (when I get it) and need to decide whether to do this myself. The S being built next month has less options than I was originally going to get so I have money to spend on fun stuff!! What are the steps and tools needed - I assume I need spring compressors?? I don't have a garage or even a paved driveway so am tempted to just pay someone rather than buy the necessary tools. How many hours labor would be a reasonable charge from a mechanic for this job?

Apr 7th, 2002, 11:22 AM	#2 (permalink)
smiffy MINI2 Master Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Here Local Time: 06:18 PM Posts: 5,778 Offline	Get the job done by a skilled pro who knows what he is doing & the job should be done in 3-4 hours tops S for Smiffy "Kids in the front seat cause accidents, accidents in the backseat cause kids!"

Apr 7th, 2002, 01:30 PM	#3 (permalink)
chiph Spectator Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Raleigh, NC Local Time: 02:18 PM Posts: 1,574 Offline	Spring compressors can be very dangerous. I helped a friend change out his struts/springs on his Acura Integra, and we had one of them slip -- could have easily lost a couple of fingers or ended up in the emergency room. Even seasoned mechanics don't really enjoy working with them. Like Smiffy says, about 3 to 4 hours for all four wheels. The better shops have a wall-mounted spring compressor that makes things much easier and safer. Chip H. ex-MINI Cooper S owner and all around good-guy

Apr 7th, 2002, 02:09 PM	#4 (permalink)
Racer Sponsor,Moderator & Racer Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Kent Local Time: 07:18 PM Posts: 1,373 Offline	Re: How to install lowering springs? Quote: Originally posted by Keith I'd like to lower my MINI (when I get it) and need to decide whether to do this myself. The S being built next month has less options than I was originally going to get so I have money to spend on fun stuff!! What are the steps and tools needed - I assume I need spring compressors?? I don't have a garage or even a paved driveway so am tempted to just pay someone rather than buy the necessary tools. How many hours labor would be a reasonable charge from a mechanic for this job? If you buy shocks which have adjustable seats/coil overs you wont need spring compressors - Good socket set should see it done and it's about a 20-30min per corner job - having said that if you don't have a garage/paved area abd havn't done anything similar before get someone else to do it for you - far less hassle NB if you do it yourself when you take the old strut out make sure the driveshafts DO NOT fall out having someone or something standing by to hold them whilst you position new shock JCW Club Sport Kawasaki Green / White Unofficial John Cooper Challenge Site Last edited by Racer : Apr 7th, 2002 at 02:11 PM.

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