You are right. It would be cheaper. As for it being easier, I'm not too sure. I don't know if it will mess up the threads inside the wheel carrier itself. This bolt is seriously messed up from the driving conditions in New England. And when I get new suspension, I don't want to run into the same issues again. I might just buy the new ones and if they are easily drilled out, then I'll just use the old ones. If not, I won't have to wait for the new one's to get here and won't be out of a car for a week. If you've done it before, then I'll trust you know it'll be easier. As for me, I don't really want to chance drilling it out and it not working right unless it's not going to be a pain in my a** lol And steel really isn't what it use to be lol Everything is made in China by the cheapest company nowadays. And it's hard to find something that is quality and yet isn't overpriced. But what can one do? lol
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!
For the stiffer front making understeer, I'm planning to get a NM Engineering 22mm rear sway bar and lower control arms, along with the M7 Under Strut System, Rear Brace, and Strut Tower Brace. It's gonna be STIFF!!! No need for Viagra here! lol It's really only going to be running into a difference of $200. I'm just trying to figure out whether or not the kits to remove the bolt or to drill it out and put a different bolt in would actually be worth it. Time (A) + Tools (B) + Aggravation (C) = X. If X is less than the cost of buying the new ones, then I consider it to be a better choice. I'll definitely check out that site, but from what I've seen online, used wheel carriers are about $80+ shipping. This is something that could save a few dollars, but I would rather buy a new set for another $20. I'm replacing everything else as good measure considering I'm going to be racing it next year, and might as well do some PM-ing so I *hopefully* won't have any issues with the front end later down the road.
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.
I was more or less worried about the passenger side breaking too. I just didn't want to deal with the frustration of it. I'll just have to get a good drill bit and try it out. Nice and slow drill speed should be fine. I wasn't too sure what you guys would do to fix the problem. Seems like it's been fixed like this before, so I trust you guys know what you're talking about. I just don't want a lot of down time since it's my daily driver right now. I'll see what I can find for a bolt. I'll checked out some stainless steel bolts for it and see what I can use. I still plan to change the wheel bearings and I know they don't last very long with crappy roads, and if you live in New England, you know our roads aren't very good. When I take it out to drill out the bolt, I'll replace them at that point. Hopefully everything works out this time. I'll also get a chance to flatten out the rib and quiet the front end up too.
I picked up the wheel carriers from Way at Way Motor Works, along with some other maintenance items I needed. I bought some new wheel bearings too and all of it had arrived last week. So this past weekend I cleaned up the wheel carriers and decided to paint them blue to match my MINI! Installed the wheel bearings on the carriers too. Now I'm gonna get some new ball joints, cv axles, M12 stud conversion, and finally decide on a suspension setup before I install everything. I'm debating whether or not to get the Alta PSRS (Positive Steering Response System). Does anyone have them installed out there? Does it make a noticeable difference and how long do they last? But so far it's looking pretty good I think.
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.
Yeah that's what I'm worried about. I have heard a lot of mixed review about all different Alta parts. About how the quality isn't what you'd expect from Alta. I just don't want to shell out $230 and have it crack on me. I was originally looking at the Powerflex bushings when I stumbled upon the Alta PSRS. I also see that Way Motor Works isn't carrying any Alta products anymore. I don't know if it's because of issues with Alta products or if it's because he took over TSW. I'll end up talking to Way when I narrow down my suspension choices anyways. So now I'm on the fence about the bushings or the PSRS and what suspension to get.......
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
I can understand that. I'm not sure if that's the issue or not. All I know is that I went to Way Motor Works' website and it says they no longer stock Alta parts anymore. Minimania.com also doesn't have any parts listed. I can't remember if they use to carry Alta though. The only place I can find that even has the PSRS is outmotoring.com and it's $230 there. I'll weigh my options on it though. And when I decided on my suspension, I'll be talking to Way about it and I'll make sure to ask him what the deal is. Thanks for the information though.
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.