1st Gen R53 Cooper S Powerflex FCA bushing install

Discussion in '1st Generation: 2002–06 R50, R53 & 2004–08 R52' started by Standard Dude, Apr 19, 2016.

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  1. Standard Dude

    Standard Dude New Member

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    #1 Standard Dude, Apr 19, 2016
    Mechanic at dealership intentionally did not install the urethane "washer" that is part of the Powerflex kit. He said something to the effect that it would not allow that joint to operate as it's supposed to under impact. Car seems to drive/handle fine. Any opinions on this?
     
  2. fishmonger

    fishmonger Well-Known Member

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    #2 fishmonger, Apr 19, 2016
    hmm - how about asking Powerflex? 10 seconds on google got me this

    4085 Pepperell Way
    Dublin, VA 24084
    USA

    Toll Free: 855.374.1877

    International: 540.674.5212

    Fax: 540.674.3995

    Email: [email protected]

    Operating Hours:
    Monday - Thursday 10-6; Friday 10-5 (ET)
     
  3. Nathan

    Nathan Founder

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    #3 Nathan, Apr 19, 2016
    I would think that with all of us that have these installed by shops or or DIY if this was an issue we'd have mentioned it time and time again in many of the multitude of Powerflex discussions.

    Please, next time go to Best Motor Werks for MINI work. MAG is just not cutting it these days.
     
  4. Standard Dude

    Standard Dude New Member

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    #4 Standard Dude, Apr 19, 2016
    Thanks fishmonger good idea
     
  5. MCS02

    MCS02 Moderator
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    #5 MCS02, Apr 19, 2016
    I believe I would want done correctly. They are in there for a reason.
     
  6. Stinch

    Stinch New Member

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    #6 Stinch, Apr 24, 2016
    As a DIY home mechanic, I just replaced the FCA bushing with PowerFlex a couple of months ago and used the washer that came with the kit. It seems to me it serves a number of functions. There are irregular factory welds at the base of the six-sided LCA bushing post where it meets the LCA. The washer has a recess that when installed properly, clears the welds and establishes a consistent surface for the bushing to face. As the LCA oscillates during suspension travel, the bushing rubs against the washer and not the metal flange on the LCA. Most important is the suspension geometry is maintained under load as it was designed.

    Rich
     
  7. Metalman

    Metalman Well-Known Member
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    #7 Metalman, Apr 24, 2016
    Yeah.... Use the washer that came with the kit...
    They just didn't put it in there because they wanted to get rid of a buncha washers....
    The washers were included for a reason... They maintain position of the bushing on the housing...
    Without them you loose lateral position of the bushing...
    Oh.... And use a mechanic that understands MINIs........ And Best Motor Werks does.... There are people that want to be mechanics and then there are mechanics that work at BEST..... And some of the BEST mechanics are called Anson....:D
     
  8. Crashton

    Crashton Club Coordinator

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    #8 Crashton, Apr 24, 2016
    I'm thinking you need to go back to MAG & have them install those washers or refund your money so you can go over to Best Motor Werks & have it right done there.
     
  9. JMC40

    JMC40 Well-Known Member

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    #9 JMC40, Apr 24, 2016
    Just stuff some JB Weld in there...I'm sure it will be fine... ;-)
     
  10. mrntd

    mrntd Well-Known Member
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    #10 mrntd, Apr 25, 2016
    I'm going with Chuck here. Go back to MAG and have them do it right.
     
  11. Metalman

    Metalman Well-Known Member
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    #11 Metalman, Apr 25, 2016
    Who driving?:biggrin5:
     
  12. Crashton

    Crashton Club Coordinator

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    #12 Crashton, Apr 25, 2016
    Me I am a poor passenger...... :eek6:
     
  13. Metalman

    Metalman Well-Known Member
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    #13 Metalman, Apr 25, 2016
    Good choice... Plus you are a route expert and know all the curves... All the curves..... And some more curves...:D
     

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