1st Gen R53 Cooper S Two questions

Discussion in '1st Generation: 2002–06 R50, R53 & 2004–08 R52' started by MCS02, Jun 23, 2011.

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  1. MCS02

    MCS02 Moderator
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    #1 MCS02, Jun 23, 2011
    Hi all
    I have a 02 S, a few years back I had to change both of my front strut mounts. I just discovered that my left one needs to be replaced again. The dealer wants $77 for it but I found one on line made by KYB for $52. I have koni adj. struts and would like to get the part that will last the longest.
    Second question is a friend asked if I would change his oil he told me he already has the filter but its been it the closet for 4 years. The dealer told him it might be bad. Other than wondering if the oil has been changed in 4 years what do you thank about the filter?
    Thanks Lee
     
  2. ScottinBend

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    #2 ScottinBend, Jun 23, 2011
    If you are having issues with the strut mounts failing, you might want to consider getting some camber plates. Better bearing/mount and you get the additional benefits of protecting the strut towers and possibly evening out the front tire wear.

    Do you have a link to the KYB units?

    The oil filter itself should be fine, but the o-ring may be bad.
     
  3. MCS02

    MCS02 Moderator
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    #3 MCS02, Jun 23, 2011
  4. MCS02

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    #4 MCS02, Jun 23, 2011
  5. k-huevo

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    #5 k-huevo, Jun 23, 2011
    The bearing encasement on IE fixed plates will last the longest.

    There was an early version of the guide support (post march 2002) with a slightly lower ride height, the rubber was kind of flat, the KYB looks like that part in their photos. The later model is dished with a conical middle. If you don't want IE fixed camber plates, choose the model that matches the existing guide support on the other side.
     
  6. ScottinBend

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    #6 ScottinBend, Jun 23, 2011
    Well I have never seen or used those mounts. Hopefully one of our member service guru's (Way, Keith, or so many others.....lol) will chime in with a better answer.
     
  7. Crashton

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    #7 Crashton, Jun 23, 2011
    I have read somewhere, sorry I do not remember where that the KYB strut mounts were junk. I have the IE fixed plates on my MINI & they are still good after 60,000 miles or so.
     
  8. BThayer23

    BThayer23 Well-Known Member

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    #8 BThayer23, Jun 23, 2011
    KYB is known for their budget struts. I can't imagine their parts would last longer than OEM. IE fixed plates are a good option - $180/ pair. IE site says they're on backorder, but one of the vendors probably has inventory.
     
  9. MCS02

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    #9 MCS02, Jun 24, 2011
    Thanks everyone for your help. For now I am going to get the dealer part. later I hope to get the IE fixed plates.
    Lee
     

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