Suspension Brakes TSW Adjustable Control Arms??

Discussion in 'Tuning and Performance' started by Octaneguy, Sep 19, 2010.

  1. Octaneguy

    Octaneguy New Member

    Apr 24, 2009
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    I had a few hours today to swap out my IE adjustable rear control arms with some newly acquired but used TSW control arms and couldn't remove the darn upper bolts attached to the subframe.

    I've searched for DIY's and nothing for the R55/R56.

    What size bolt is holding the inside (top) end of the control arm in place? Seems like 18mm?? Course I have both 17mm and 19mm wrenches.

    Do I need to drop the subframe to remove the control arm? Seems that I don't but any advice is appreciated....lol the day is almost over...probably will let a mechanic handle this.

    Richard
     
  2. Motoring Magic

    Motoring Magic New Member
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    Dec 13, 2009
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    Motoring Magic Owner, Ventura County's ONLY MINI s
    Thousand Oaks, Vta cty, socal
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    I'd love to help-you never call anymore.................:D
     
  3. Octaneguy

    Octaneguy New Member

    Apr 24, 2009
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    Haha you were the first person I thought of, but I was like...Hmmm, it's Sunday, I don't want to bother you.

    But I was already to take a drive out to you if I knew, lol.

    Richard

     
  4. Motoring Magic

    Motoring Magic New Member
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    we need to set up a clinic out here, I will call you today-those bolts are indeed 18mm, I can help you out whenever, you know you can always call:Thumbsup:
     
  5. Way Motor Works

    Way Motor Works New Member

    May 4, 2009
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    Yes it's an 18mm, short socket works best. You don't need to drop the subframe.
     
  6. Octaneguy

    Octaneguy New Member

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    I agree!!! Thanks Scott!!!
    Thanks Way!! Guess I'll go get an 18mm today, lol.

    You guys are both awesome. :D:D:D
     
  7. k-huevo

    k-huevo Club Coordinator

    May 6, 2009
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    Some may be curious why the question is being asked. The inner bolts for the rear control arms have one end recessed within the axle carrier making them difficult to access; the upper bolt poses an additional challenge. A ratchet with a deep socket or shallow with extension can't make the sharp turn into the space. A short 3/8 drive 18mm socket is what I use.

    A universal adapter can be placed on the end of the 18mm and turned sideways to lock, a breaker bar can then be attached to secure, and then an open end or ratcheting box end wrench used on the opposite side.

    An approach that allows the use of a ratchet involves a socket cap. Place a 3/8 drive socket cap in the end of the 18mm socket, insert the 18mm socket in the opening in the axle carrier and over the bolt head, then a 3/8 drive ratchet with short 14mm socket over the socket cap afterward; now a torque wrench can be utilized when fastening.

    [​IMG]
     
  8. Octaneguy

    Octaneguy New Member

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    Awesome, thanks for the photo and additional info Keith!!!!
     
  9. andyroo

    andyroo New Member
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    Sep 8, 2009
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    Why did you replace the IE rear control arms?

    - andrew
     
  10. Octaneguy

    Octaneguy New Member

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    Wanted to try something else. I had HSports on my R53 and really wanted them on the R55. The TSW's were the closest I could find in the marketplace for the price I wanted to pay, lol.

     
  11. andyroo

    andyroo New Member
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    Sep 8, 2009
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    Were the IEs bad or did they make noise or something?

    I have a brand new set waiting to go on my R53. Apparently they were recently redesigned and they do "look" good. I am curious about the quality of the poly bushing, though it "looks" fine.

    - drew
     
  12. solionkk

    solionkk New Member

    Jan 9, 2013
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    the factorty claim is no sound ... :p
     

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