[mike1967]

Hi Mini fans ,

New here and to Mini's, well the new ones anyway.

I'm looking for information regarding a removal tool for the front lower suspension arm bushes. I've checked out all the YouTube videos and seems easy enough with the right tool. (experienced mechanic of 30+ years)

I've read the reviews on the cheap ones from ebay and its not all good, just wondering if anyone has used something better but doesn't cost the earth, the choice seems to be £30 on Ebay or £160+ from tool suppliers such as Sealy, laser etc. Is there something in between these two price points that can be found, I'm not having much luck with anything available in the uk, I can get at tool from Germany that looks really well built for 120 euros plus shipping but that's about it.

Any help or info would be appreciated ::smile::

M

i've used large sockets and high tensile threaded bar before, will need to cut old bush out with a drill mounted hole cutter tool then hack saw the out part of bush until it releases the bush, then ad some fairy liquid and pull new bush in

 

[mike1967]

Do yourself a favour and drop the subframe then replace all of the bushes including the anti roll and ball joints. Once done you will never need to do it again. It'a not that hard, You just need to set aside a day and take your time.
Buy a full set of ball joints and bushes for just over £100 which has the bushes already in their carriers.
Do it like this off the car and it's much easier than pulling your pluck out trying to remove then press the new bushes in.

Gerry

yep good bit of advise that also worth doing top strut mounts and drop links while its in bits. keep telling people this but most just want what ever bush is making a noise fixed then a few months later moan when its all got to come apart again,

 

[mike1967]

I have to replace the rear bush on the front suspension wishbone, but I find it incredible that the car has to be half dismantled to get at the two bolts which hold the anti roll bar bush housing to the holder for the rear bush. Is it entirely necessary to drop the subframe, or can the old bush be removed in situ, without removing the holder from the car? Will an obstruction spanner work? What annoys me is that the bolts could have been just as effective if fitted upside down, with the anti roll bar bush holder being the threaded part, and the bolts just passing through the rear bush holder. Grrr!

the sub frame is fairly easy to drop and its by far the best option below link for poly bushes worth a thought
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-MINI...e:Mini&hash=item4d461795be:g:xTEAAOSw3KFWgTht

 

[mike1967]

Sigh. OK thanks for that Mike, I will just have to work away at it.

those rear bushes can be hard work getting them over the ends of the arms them selves i tend to press them on with some washing up liquid to lubricate them, the poly bushes are a lot easier but do involve cutting out old bushes,, not really a easy way either way bit so much easier removing the subframe.