50 replies to this topic

[Buckles23]

Hey

Noticed one of my front shocks leaking so decided to swap them over with new ones… another 20min job that turns into a full afternoon.

Removed old shocks and rubber bushes had stuck onto the pin.. cut off the rubber to leave the steel insert and used a bolt extractor to loosen and removed.. took ages with some success but last one obviously was the right pain.. top pin on drivers side. Ended up snapping the bolt clean off just where the shocks sit…

Has anyone been in this position.. what’s the best way to deal with it before a destroy anything else.

Does the bolt just knock out or is it welded in there or something.. noticed u can get bracket and bolt together and wasn’t sure if its all one bit..

Any tips would be grateful

[Tupers]

The damper bolt isn’t welded or threaded into the top arm but they do love to rust in place.

A bit of penetrating fluid and a big whack with a hammer and pin punch normally gets them moving.

[Buckles23]

Thanks.. I’ll give that a go then

[absx2]

Nine times out of ten when you remove the top mount to replace it you find a load of rust as well !

 

But we still love them :)

[mab01uk]

Do you mean the top shocker mount here:-

https://www.minispar...ont-bracket-r-h

 

or the pin in the top suspension arm?

Edited by mab01uk, 13 May 2025 - 09:27 PM.

[Buckles23]

Yes it’s the top mount you have on the link, which connects to the shock. The pin has broken off. The pin at the bottom is ok.

[gav]

It's welded, just buy a new bracket.

[stuart bowes]

I found a really nice used pair on ebay for about £15, there's not really much to go wrong with them as long as there's no corrosion

 

right now can't find any used but old skool minis have a cheap set https://www.ebay.co....:Bk9SR5if1t3ZZQ

 

a pair for the price of one from minispares and free delivery

 

as mentioned be prepared for rot on the inner wing underneath

Edited by stuart bowes, 14 May 2025 - 08:15 AM.

[Buckles23]

Ok thanks folks

I hate it when a quick job turns out to be a nightmare. Another 4 bolts to try and get out with the possibility of dealing with yet more rust…lol GREAT 😞

At least I know now what’s needed and thanks again

[Buckles23]

I found a really nice used pair on ebay for about £15, there's not really much to go wrong with them as long as there's no corrosion

right now can't find any used but old skool minis have a cheap set https://www.ebay.co....:Bk9SR5if1t3ZZQ

a pair for the price of one from minispares and free delivery

as mentioned be prepared for rot on the inner wing underneath

Just ordered the old stool mini brackets with bolts 👍🏼

[stuart bowes]

good stuff just to confirm I don't have any personal affiliation with them or anything it's just a decent cost

Edited by stuart bowes, 14 May 2025 - 08:52 AM.

[Ethel]

Go easy on the little bracket to body bolts. Both the bottom ones are screwed in to a captive bar, try and keep a screw in one side at all times so it can't slip out of alignment with the holes. Your Mini might have though t ahead and rusted an access hole for you, but you won't know until the bracket it off.

[Buckles23]

Yeah the price seemed good so just went for it .. thanks

Thanks Ethel.. that’s a great tip as I didn’t know that and would have 100% just unscrewed both bolts.

High chance I’ll have an access hole lol

[Gaz66]

When you change the shocker bracket be prepared for the vast rust hole that will appear under it when it's removed.
Then it's welder out time.
All of a sudden a simple shocker mount change turns into a 20k refurb! 😁

[DeadSquare]

When you change the shocker bracket be prepared for the vast rust hole that will appear under it when it's removed.
Then it's welder out time.
All of a sudden a simple shocker mount change turns into a 20k refurb!

If you have a welder.................................

 

Those 4 little setscrews are very easy to shear off.  I disconnect the alternator, clamp the earth from the welder firmly to the body and substitute the welding rod with the carbon rod from an old C or D  Zinc / Carbon Cell.

 

I hold the carbon on the head of the set screw and switch on the welder for just long enough for first the carbon and then the screw glow red hot.

 

Apply 'Plus-gas' when things cool down.