10 replies to this topic

[CBJ805T]

Hi all, I'm stripping down the car and just wanted some advice how best to remove the front suspension.

Does this have to be done before the front sub is removed or can i strip it down afterwards?

Where is the best place to get a suspension compression tool?

I'm I best to strip the front suspension down before I take it off the sub or can I remove the suspension arms, disks and hubs in one and strip it down afterwards?

Any advice appreciated

[Carlos W]

If the subframe is coming out anyway, access will be easier to doughnuts once it's off the car!

Hubs, discs etc, it's up to you really, it may be easier to do these before the subframe comes off!

Edited by Carlos W, 24 May 2012 - 07:48 PM.

[Cooperman]

Mini Spares should have a 'Tower Tool' in stock.
It's your choice which sequence you choose. Most people strip it after removing as access is easier.

[Mrt88]

Remove the sub buddy if you can, trying to get those cones out at the best of times is a pain in the overies. If you get the subframe out it'll save you so much hassle. Good luck

[Tupers]

I favour removing the hubs, bottom arms and tie bars with the subframe still on the car the top arms and cones once the frame is off.

[tiger99]

All these are correct. Just do what seems right to you, depending on your workshop facilities and ease of access. You could even start by loosening pivot pin nuts etc, with the subframe still attached to the car, so you have more to push against.

The thing that matters is that when putting it all back, you only tighten the rubber bushed pivots (tie rods and lower arms) when the full weight of the car, including engine, is applied, and it has been bounced a few times to settle, same as on any other car. That just means leaving the four nuts loose intil the engine is in, you can assemble the bits on or off the car.

[CBJ805T]

Thanks guys, that's my Saturday sorted!

[CBJ805T]

I've got an 1984 mini Mayfair - will it be metric? If so will this tool do the job, £18 sounds better than £46 for the other option
http://www.minispare...id=38341&title=

[tiger99]

Don't count on the cones being metric, even if the age of the car says that they should be! Someone on this forum had a mishap the other day, probably because of the thread being wrong, although thinking about it some more, the tool may have been of poor quality.

[Carlos W]

I removed the doughnuts without the tool! If ypure taking upper arms off etc and its all off the car

[liirge]

Removing the subby will allow better access to the rear nut on the top arm pin, and also allows more purchase on a hammer to knock said pin out for inspection and replacement.