2 replies to this topic

[minicooper1.3i]

Good afternoon all!

 

My MPi has been garaged for several years but I'm planning on getting it back on the road for the summer. One of the jobs that I need to sort out is to refurbish the radius arms. They've been an MOT advisory for a while now.  I did start to do them before I SORN'd it but the first radius arm bolt I tried to undo just spun round and round.  Evidently the captive nut inside the subframe has broken free from its welds.

 

So, the question is, is it advisable to cut a small access hole in the subframe so I can get to the nut from the other side? I don't have any welding gear / experience so the hole would have to remain, albeit rust treated and blanked off with (probably) a plastic cover if I can find / make something suitable.

 

I'd rather not replace the whole subframe if avoidable owing to cost / time limitations, and the fact that knowing my luck, the captive nuts in the sills would probably break free as well! 

 

Thanks very much!

[stuart bowes]

bit confused, probably just a terminology thing

 

the nuts on the the radius arm can be accessed from each end quite easily

 

are you talking about the bolts that hold the end plate on, in which case there already is a hole in the back of the subframe for access, but you'll have to lower the subframe to get to it.  I wouldn't go making any other holes especially without the kit / knowledge to weld it back up again (even then probably not ideal)

Edited by stuart bowes, Today, 03:40 PM.

[minicooper1.3i]

Yes, sorry. The radius arm bracket on the outer side is what I was referring too. 

 

Wasn't aware there was a hold in the subframe already, although as said, I'd rather not take the subframe off it at all possible. Guess it might come to that though.