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How to change front strut mount on Mini R50, R53 – replacement guide
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Important!
This replacement procedure can be used for:
MINI Hatchback (R50, R53) One, MINI Hatchback (R50, R53) Cooper, MINI Hatchback (R50, R53) Cooper S, MINI Hatchback (R50, R53) One D, MINI Hatchback (R50, R53) Cooper S, MINI Hatchback (R50, R53) One D, MINI Hatchback (R50, R53) One, MINI Hatchback (R50, R53) John Cooper Works … View more
The steps may slightly vary depending on the car design.
MINI Hatchback (R50, R53) One, MINI Hatchback (R50, R53) Cooper, MINI Hatchback (R50, R53) Cooper S, MINI Hatchback (R50, R53) One D, MINI Hatchback (R50, R53) Cooper S, MINI Hatchback (R50, R53) One D, MINI Hatchback (R50, R53) One, MINI Hatchback (R50, R53) John Cooper Works … View more
The steps may slightly vary depending on the car design.
How to change front strut mount / top munt MINI COOPER 1 (R50, R53) [TUTORIAL AUTODOC]

All the parts you need to replace – Strut Mount for Hatchback (R50, R53) and other MINI models
Repair kit, suspension strut
Alternative products

Wire brush
WD-40 spray
Copper grease
Combination spanner #16
Combination spanner #18
Drive socket # 13
Drive socket # 16
Drive socket # 18
HEX bit No.H6.
HEX bit No.H7.
XZN socket bit # 14
Shock absorber socket
Wheel impact socket #17
Ratchet wrench
Torque wrench
Flat chisel
Hammer
Tap wrench
Crow bar
Hydraulic transmission jack
Hydraulic strut spring compressor
Wheel chock
Replacement: strut mount – Mini R50, R53. Tip from AUTODOC experts:
- The replacement procedure is identical for the mounts of the left and right shock struts of the front suspension.
- All mounts of the front shock struts should be replaced simultaneously.
- Be sure to replace all self-locking nuts and bolts during installation.
- All work should be done with the engine stopped.
Replacement: strut mount – Mini R50, R53. Recommended sequence of steps:
- Step 1Secure the wheels with chocks.
- Step 2Loosen the wheel mounting bolts. Use wheel impact socket #17.
- Step 3Raise the front of the car and secure on supports.
- Step 4Unscrew the wheel bolts.Replacement: strut mount – Mini R50, R53. Tip from AUTODOC:To avoid injury, hold up the wheel when unscrewing the bolts.
- Step 5Remove the wheel.
- Step 6Clean the fasteners of the shock strut upper mount. Use WD-40 spray.
- Step 7Disconnect the wiring and the brake hose from the bracket on the shock strut.
- Step 8Clean the fasteners connecting the stabiliser link to the shock strut, and those connecting the shock strut to the steering knuckle. Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
- Step 9Unscrew the nut and remove the stabilizer rod from the shock strut. Use a combination spanner #16. Use HEX No.H6. Use a ratchet wrench.
- Step 10Unscrew the lower fastener connecting the shock strut to the steering knuckle. Use XZN #14. Use a ratchet wrench. Use a tap wrench.
- Step 11Release the lower fastener connecting the shock strut to the steering knuckle. Use a special drive socket to remove the shock absorber. Use a ratchet wrench.
- Step 12Prop up the steering knuckle. Use a hydraulic transmission jack.
- Step 13Disconnect the steering knuckle from the shock absorber strut. Use a flat metal-working chisel. Use a hammer.Replacement: strut mount – Mini R50, R53. AUTODOC experts recommend:Make sure that the steering knuckle is not released from load.
- Step 14Unscrew the upper fastening of the shock absorber strut. Use a drive socket #13. Use a ratchet wrench.AUTODOC recommends:Mini R50, R53 – To avoid injury, hold the suspension strut while unscrewing the fastening bolts.
- Step 15Remove the suspension strut.
- Step 16Set the shock absorber strut on the spring compressor tool.Replacement: strut mount – Mini R50, R53. Professionals recommend:Note that when using a spring compressor, spring coils need to be securely gripped, compressing the spring on the opposite sides.Ensure the correct position of the spring in the retainer.Make sure that the spring coils tightly entered the lock handles.
- Step 17Compress the spring.
- Step 18Remove the strut piston rod nut. Use HEX No.H7. Use a drive socket #18. Use a ratchet wrench.
- Step 19Remove the shock strut mount.
- Step 20Install a new strut mount.
- Step 21Tighten the shock strut piston rod nut. Use a drive socket #18. Use a combination spanner #18. Use HEX No.H7. Use a torque wrench. Tighten it to 64 Nm torque.Replacement: strut mount – Mini R50, R53. Tip from AUTODOC experts:Check to make sure the spring is positioned correctly. Avoid its misalignment.
- Step 22Decompress the spring. Remove the assembled shock strut.
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