33 replies to this topic

[tractor777]

Thanks for all suggestions to overcome - ended up hacksawing rear end of pivot shaft between suspension are and the sub-frame.
Exracted suspension arm and removed the pivot shaft with a punch and a big hammer - would not have come out in situ.
Now on to the other side

[myredmini]

What happened to my mates was the threads on the arm, cut threads into the subframe at the toe-board end, chopped the pin to remove it

[danie garry]

was it the passenger side that u just did?? the passenger side on 3 of my mini's that i did ware seized and the drivers side were fine!! think it has something to do with the over flow of rad water!!

[myredmini]

Yes! Passenger side on my mates

[Doz1971]

Exactly the same with mine... Drivers side fell in my lap, passenger side seized solid.

The knuckle was seized into the trumpet too on the passenger side. Took a good few heat/cool cycles and liberal applications of the larger hammer to get it to shift! Inside the trumpet was a sort of tide mark, where it had obviously been full of water. Drivers side took a light twist with the pliers to come out!

I'm glad I got my pin out in one piece though...

[PaddyShepherd]

Wonder which mate that could've been Dan! teheheh.

We ended up getting frustrated with it, cutting the thing out, then driving up to Newcastle to get a 2nd hand one for a fiver. Much easier than fighting to get new bearings in.

[tractor777]

Indeed it was passenger side on my mini - working on drivers side next - will let you know if it comes our easier.  I
I cannot see any needle rolloers as shown in various diagrams on the one ihave removed, but all other parts are there i.e. thrust bearing etc.  I just have a straight bar running through the arm. Am I missing anything?
 

[myredmini]

Wonder which mate that could've been Dan! teheheh.

We ended up getting frustrated with it, cutting the thing out, then driving up to Newcastle to get a 2nd hand one for a fiver. Much easier than fighting to get new bearings in.

Not sure :/

When we restore your mini i would fit new pins and bearings both sides though :)

[tractor777]

As you guys thought - drivers side dropped out with ease. Now have the job of getting the needle bearings out without damaging the arm. Any ideas as to the best way to do this? Is it worth changing the swivel hub now I have the arm out - and if so what problems do you think I will encounter? The car is on jacks but I now have to undo the drive shaft split pin and nut - is it possible to loosen with out having to drop the car back on the floor?

[tiger99]

Why would you want to change the swivel hub, just because the arm is out? The hub can be changed at any time, without removing the arm, and only needs changing if it is damaged, which is often due to hub bearings which are defective spinning in the bore. It is a part which, on most cars, never needs to be replaced. Unlike the ball joints and wheel bearings, of course.

[tractor777]

Thanks, my mistake, I meant the ball joints and these seem ok as it passed the MOT ok. Any ideas as to how to remove the bearings from the upper suspension arm?

[1984mini25]

If you read back, try welding a nut inside the bearing and then knocking it out from the other side....

[tractor777]

MIssed that bit..... I have not got a welder, so I'm thinking of taking the arms to an engineering shop and getting them reamed out unless there is another improvised way.

[danie garry]

bust out the needles from the bearing and then gently cut through the casing of the bearing with a dremel or theres the possibility of taking the needles out and then just battering the absolute carp out of the casing!

[tractor777]

Thanks Danie Garry - what is the best dremel attachment tool for this job. I have taken a look on line but there are so many and it is difficult to see the best one for the job.