1st Gen R53 Cooper S Most liked posts in thread: Lower Control Arm Bushings

Hopefully you are going back with Powerflex bushings I help out at a vendor here on MA shop. We do a bunch of bushings also. But we pretty much always completley drop out the subframe as we usually talk the customer into new ball joint's also.....think about it, if the bushings are toast more than likely they are going bad also. We can drop a subframe pretty quick now.

 

:cornut: Just a question. Not wanting controversy but quiet opinions. I've heard arguments on both sides as to polyurethane vs rubber OEM(LCA) bushings. The general opinion seems to be that polyurethane is too stiff for road but essential for track and OEM rubber better(more give) for road but not stiff/strong enough for track. What do you think?opcorn:

Jason

 

We have had not one complaint about the Powerflex bushings, even from people with just regular Minis....if you know what I mean :lol: Now some people wanted the Alta PSRS....now that's a different story. When I went to the Powerflex...I did the control arms, sway bar, steering rack and driver side tranny mount, plus I changed all the ball joints including the tie rods....it transformed my car :cornut: I also had it aligned and camber adjusted.

 

:cornut: Thank You. I guess what I'm asking(if this is an inappropriate question on this here site, tell me and I'll withdraw the question)is have you or others ever been able to do a before and after spirited 'country lane' drive, same or similar cars, OEM rubber and then polyurethane? Also address the feel of the car/road on straight aways with bumps and low spots with the 2 different bushings.
Just curious.

Jason

 

I went poly and noticed an immediate improvement, provided by Mach V Motorsports, and installed by Passport MINI of Alexandria.

It may be the placebo effect, I dunno, but couple with the new non run-flats Conti Extreme's, strut tower brace and and sway bar, but the front is tighter than some analogies I wont get into, but I love the new bushings.

 

:cornut: Thanks

Jason

 

#1 for Powerflex bushings!! Difference in hard braking is worth the change if nothing else, but better off the turn too and very acceptable ride on the road...

 

The current R53 offerings of polyurethane bushings do not allow for appropriate lower control arm movement whether on street or track. If you must use polyurethane, at least get Mini Madness bushings, which are softer than Powerflex and Ireland Engineering versions.

Healthy stock lower control arm bushings are good enough for non-competition track use. Polyurethane bushings anywhere on the car are absolutely non-essential for non-dedicated track use.

 

The bushing question is about as old as the chicken-and-egg question. Here's what little I know:

1. Generally, poly bushings offer more motion control but also pass more NVH into the cabin, so they are not as comfortable. Polyurethane bushings also tend to squeak or "grunch" when they get dry. My MINI is silent, for instance, but my Miata is a squeaky symphony.

2. Specifically, MINIs do well with poly bushings, but opinions vary widely over what bushings should be put where. There are different solutions that please different people, and there will never be a consensus.

For the front control arm bushing, I've tried (in order of use) stock, worn-out stock, PSRS, and Powerflex. Of these, I really like the Powerflex, and that puts me at odds with k-huevo, who has been very consistent over the years in recommending the stock bushings.

On my MINI with the Powerflex, the lower control arms swing freely through their arcs and seem to be well-controlled without binding. The NVH is a non-issue as well. But I will point out that I have not come full circle and tried a fresh set of stock front control arm bushings, so I do not have the benefit of a same-day comparison between Powerflex and stock rubber.

 

I would never suggest using the OEM bushings as they simply don't last long enough to warrant the replacement costs. The little bit of additional NVH that they may impart is much cheaper than the regular replacement. And if you are really concerned about restricting the LCA movement, then get the PSRS. It imparts no additional restrictions and it allows full movement of the LCA.

And after 4 yrs I am still loving my PSRS and still believe they are an equivalent option to the poly bushings.

 

:cornut: Thanks every one who listed answers/experiences.This is why I come to MA.No Flaming(other than on the political forum where I'm the guilty one) or Bickering, just LOTS of multifaceted information and experience. Y'all are great. I've noticed that when k-huevo(Keith) speaks, most of us tend to listen up, which is a very good idea considering his experience level and his 'Todays Job' thread.

Jasonopcorn:

 

Well do what you will, but we have done I think 4 subframe drops this last month, used only the PF bushings with not one complaint. I agree with ScottinBend on this one, why replace with the stock? None of our customers feel any extra NVH with the PF. But guess we haven't talked to all the Mini owners in the world yet

 

I just use my car for driving and fun. I had PowerFlex LCA bushings installed last fall on my 2002 Cooper. I don't notice any additional NVH and of course it feels much better than the worn out stock bushings. I can't directly compare to brand new stock bushings, but I'm happy so far.

 

I personally have installed over 100 sets of powerflex control arm bushings, and had ZERO complaints, more positive responses than anything else. And I've sold more than I can count of the PF bushings for customers to install and had no complaints. Go powerflex you won't be sorry.

 

I'm having the fubar control arm bushings replaced tomorrow. I'll be Outmotoring with MINI Cooper Powerflex Control Arm Bushings.

Does the R56 MINI still use those fine OEM pieces?

 

Just wondering if MINI made them more durable for the R56. Seems to me most any part on a car should last longer than these do.

 

I think the R56 ones are a little better than the R53, they look to have more rubber in them. And yes the brackets from R53 and R56 are different. But the diameter of the bushing is the same size so the Powerflex will work in both R53 and R56.