11 replies to this topic

[kommander]

Recently rebuilt my front subframe with new rubber cones. I forgot to take the rebound buffers to the shop that replaced the cones. The subframe is back on the car. I tried jacking the suspension arm to slip the buffer under, but there's not enough space. I don't have a spring compressor tool. Any suggestions to get the buffer on? Thanks

[nicklouse]

They should fit when the wheels are on the ground. What is stopping the suspension movement? 
 

Or is the car not fully assembled yet?

[kommander]

The wheels are off at the moment. Thanks for the suggestion.

[nicklouse]

The wheels are off at the moment. Thanks for the suggestion.

A Mini in normal condition is with the arms not touching the buffer. 

[andyapanel]

Can you jack up the hub?

[kommander]

The hubs are out at this time to replace ball joints. I will consider jacking them. Thanks for the suggestion.

[andyapanel]

Jack up the upper arm?

[Spider]

You may struggle to get the top ball joint pin in to the top arm on the driver's side without the buffer in there. You might just get it, might not.

I'm not sure off hand what length you'd need, but most hardware stores sell Turnbuckels. These are quite inexpensive, they have 2 threaded ends that screw in to a middle 'piece', one end has a left hand thread, the other a right. By turning the middle part, they lengthen or shorten. If you got yourself one of these in the right range, with a couple of shackles, you can attach one end to the upper shock mount and the other to the arm, then wind it to pull the arm up. You'll need to pull it up a fair way, which you may or may not be able to get it all the way there, but if you get it up most of the way, and give the rubber on the buffer a lick of rubber grease, you should be able to slide it in with a good push.

[kommander]

Thanks

[kommander]

Jack up the upper arm?

Attempted this, but it doesn't provide enough clearance before the car itself begins to raise.

[andyapanel]

Sorry, I forgot you had put new cones in. 

Its either use a cone compressor tool to take the pressure off, or wait to put the hubs back on.

Good luck

[MiniMadRacer]

Chances are the cones (or the struts) are not fully seated properly without the weight of the car on them. I would assemble everything and not bother with the rebound rubbers... yet... when it settles a bit (prob after a few miles of driving)  then pop them in, they are not really needed unless you plan to become airborne.. (ie a rally car)