Suspension Brakes 1st Gen Most liked posts in thread: Installing new camber plates resulted in a new problem!!!

China bashing aside..

the steering knuckles are just big hunks of iron, so you may want to source them from a wrecking yard. Might save a bit of money.

Also, if you're going to be doing all this on the front end, you should probably do the ball joints, and maybe the tie rod ends.

Going to stiffer front bar bushings will increase understeer, so think about the car balance as you do this.

Matt

 

I've read where other folks have just drilled through that broken-off bolt and stuck a slightly smaller bolt through there with a nut on the backside... and left it like that long-term with no reported problems that I'm aware of. Just another waaaaaaay less expensive option.

 

There are numerous tools (taps, dies, and As Seen on TV products) that are effective at removing broken and stripped bolts.

Most are NOT going to run you $600+...

Key is to go slow and USE THE RIGHT TOOL FOR THE JOB. If you need to spend a bit on the tools, it will still not likely cost anywhere near what you are going to pay to replace all the items in your list.

Also, our local club site has a link to a used MINI parts site called Used Mini Cooper Parts - New and used car parts.

That will likely save you a fortune if you can order some of your items from them.

However you decide to proceed, best of luck!

 

My brother did the same thing on his E46 BMW. Just drill the bolt shaft out with a really good bit and through bolt it. Spend the money for a hard bit and you'll save yourself a good amount of frustration.

 

Broken bolts are not a problem. If you are worried about snapping off drill bits or "Easy-outs", just remove the assembly from the car, call around and talk to your local machine shops. Find one with a "Plunge EDM" machine. Should be able to get the bolt removed for under $50.00.

 

BINGO!

 

Those look sweet painted!

 

Couple thoughts..

If you're going to do axles, I think there is a thread here about aftermarket units from the Axle Shop or something. The price is competitive, and they will last better than stock. Take more torque too.

Make sure the ball joints fit in the bottom of the carriers. The paint may have made the bore a bit small. Not a big deal, but something to look at as you put it all together.

Alta PSRS will last forever. The effect of improving the lower control arm bushing is nothing short of astounding. there are a couple who like the stock unit, but I'm not one of them. It doesn't last and is too soft. The PSRS will work, but the steel sleve may need to be welded. Another way to go is with the Powerflex poly busings. Many use them and are happy too. Either way, you'll be better off than with stockers.

Matt

 

Way can hook you up with Powerflex lower control arm bushings pre-pressed into the cages (you return your old cages to him when you are done). I love 'em and it's a pretty easy job. I've heard that the PSRS can be fussy... stripped bolts, tack welding required, etc.

 

The PSRS is rock solid

once the sleeves are held in place well.

Matt

 

Have had the PSRS on my car for almost 3 yrs and love them. Just tack the sleeves to the control arm. You will love the steering response and the better braking!

 

Alta has a habit

of holding sales to move inventory that are at prices lower than the sales channels buy at, so they get stuck holding inventory. The problems with the PSRS have little to do with the bushing, and everything to do with the sleeve that goes onto the control arm. Turns out that MINI/BMW doesn't really control the dimensions of the round part very well, so some sleeves are loose, others tight. So many resort to welding the sleeve onto the arm, and all problems are gone.

Either way you go will be fine.

Matt

 

My guess would be because Way now is TSW or rather TSW is now Way. It would make way bad sense to sell your competitors products.

No association with either company... Yada yada yada. Your mileage may vary.

 

TSW didn't make a front control arm bush...

so there was no competition on those parts. Alta undersold thier sales channels and dumps parts on eBay at low prices. There's just no way to make any money against that.

FES never formally discounts and we sell on eBay, but at the same price as MSRP. While we don't generate the "sale" buzz, our resellers don't have to worry that they will be competing against our discount pricing.

I've talked to more than one retailer that is giving up on Alta for just that reason. Way can say why he dropped the line, if he chooses to, but the math is undeniable.

Matt