Important!
This replacement procedure can be used for:
MINI Convertible (R52) One, MINI Convertible (R52) Cooper, MINI Convertible (R52) Cooper S, MINI Convertible (R52) Cooper S View more

The steps may slightly vary depending on the car design.

This video shows the replacement procedure of a similar car part on another vehicle

Tools
Replacement: suspension strut – MINI MINI Convertible (R52). List of the tools you'll need:
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: suspension strut – MINI MINI Convertible (R52). Tip from AUTODOC experts:
  • Both shock struts of the front suspension should be replaced simultaneously.
  • The replacement procedure is identical for the left and right shock struts of the front suspension.
  • All work should be done with the engine stopped.
Replacement: suspension strut – MINI MINI Convertible (R52). Take the following steps:
  1. Step 1
    How to change Shock Absorber on Mini r52 2004 - free PDF and video manuals
    Secure the wheels with chocks.
  2. Step 2
    How to replace MINI Convertible (R52) Cooper 2005 Shock Absorber - step-by-step manuals and video guides
    Loosen the wheel mounting bolts. Use wheel impact socket #17.
  3. Step 3
    Raise the front of the car and secure on supports.
    Step 4
    Mini r52 Cooper S 2006 Shock Absorber replacement: free workshop manuals
    Unscrew the wheel bolts.
    Replacement: suspension strut – MINI MINI Convertible (R52). AUTODOC recommends:
    To avoid injury, hold up the wheel when unscrewing the bolts.
  4. Step 5
    Changing Shock Absorber on MINI Convertible (R52) 1.6 Cooper S 2007 by yourself
    Remove the wheel.
  5. Step 6
    How to remove MINI Cabrio 1.6 John Cooper Works 2004 Shock Absorber - online easy-to-follow instructions
    Clean the fasteners of the shock strut upper mount. Use WD-40 spray.
  6. Step 7
    How to replace Shock Absorber on MINI Convertible (R52) 2005: download PDF manuals and video instructions
    Disconnect the wiring and the brake hose from the bracket on the shock strut.
  7. Step 8
    How hard is it to do yourself: Shock Absorber replacement on Mini r52 Cooper S 2006 - download illustrated guide
    Clean 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.
  8. Step 9
    Need to know how to renew Shock Absorber on MINI Cabrio 2007? This free workshop manual will help you to do it yourself
    Unscrew the nut and remove the stabilizer rod from the shock strut. Use a combination spanner #16. Use HEX No.H6. Use a ratchet wrench.
  9. Step 10
    Changing of Shock Absorber on Mini r52 2004 won't be an issue if you follow this illustrated step-by-step guide
    Unscrew the lower fastener connecting the shock strut to the steering knuckle. Use XZN #14. Use a ratchet wrench. Use a tap wrench.
  10. Step 11
    MINI Cabrio 1.6 Cooper S Shock Absorber replacement: online guides and video tutorials
    Release 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.
  11. Step 12
    Replacing Shock Absorber on Mini r52 2006 Cooper by yourself
    Prop up the steering knuckle. Use a hydraulic transmission jack.
  12. Step 13
    Convertible (R52) 1.6 John Cooper Works 2007 Shock Absorber DIY replacement workshop manual
    Disconnect the steering knuckle from the shock absorber strut. Use a flat metal-working chisel. Use a hammer.
    Replacement: suspension strut – MINI MINI Convertible (R52). Tip:
    Make sure that the steering knuckle is not released from load.
  13. Step 14
    How to change Shock Absorber on MINI Convertible (R52) 2004 - tips and tricks
    Unscrew the upper fastening of the shock absorber strut. Use a drive socket #13. Use a ratchet wrench.
    AUTODOC recommends:
    Important! Hold the suspension strut while unscrewing the fastening bolts. MINI MINI Convertible (R52)
  14. Step 15
    Step-by-step recommendations for DIY replacement Mini r52 2005 1.6 John Cooper Works Shock Absorber
    Remove the suspension strut.
  15. Step 16
    DIY replacement of Shock Absorber on MINI Convertible (R52) 1.6 One 2006 is not an issue anymore with our step-by-step tutorial
    Set the shock absorber strut on the spring compressor tool.
    Replacement: suspension strut – MINI MINI Convertible (R52). AUTODOC experts 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.
  16. Step 17
    How to change Shock Absorber on Mini r52 2004 - free PDF and video manuals
    Compress the spring.
  17. Step 18
    How to replace MINI Convertible (R52) Cooper 2005 Shock Absorber - step-by-step manuals and video guides
    Remove the strut piston rod nut. Use HEX No.H7. Use a drive socket #18. Use a ratchet wrench.
  18. Step 19
    Mini r52 Cooper S 2006 Shock Absorber replacement: free workshop manuals
    Remove the shock strut mount.
  19. Step 20
    Changing Shock Absorber on MINI Convertible (R52) 1.6 Cooper S 2007 by yourself
    Release the coil spring.
  20. Step 21
    How to remove MINI Cabrio 1.6 John Cooper Works 2004 Shock Absorber - online easy-to-follow instructions
    Remove the spring.
  21. Step 22
    How to replace Shock Absorber on MINI Convertible (R52) 2005: download PDF manuals and video instructions
    Remove the old shock absorber from the hydraulic coil spring compressor.
    Replacement: suspension strut – MINI MINI Convertible (R52). Tip from AUTODOC:
    Τhoroughly examine the shock absorber mount, dust boot, bump stop. Replace them if necessary.Before installing a new shock absorber you should pump it manually 3-5 times.
  22. Step 23
    How hard is it to do yourself: Shock Absorber replacement on Mini r52 Cooper S 2006 - download illustrated guide
    Install the new shock absorber on the hydraulic coil spring compressor.
  23. Step 24
    Need to know how to renew Shock Absorber on MINI Cabrio 2007? This free workshop manual will help you to do it yourself
    Install the dust sleeve and the bump stop on the new shock absorber.
  24. Step 25
    Changing of Shock Absorber on Mini r52 2004 won't be an issue if you follow this illustrated step-by-step guide
    Install the spring on the shock absorber.
  25. Step 26
    MINI Cabrio 1.6 Cooper S Shock Absorber replacement: online guides and video tutorials
    Install the upper strut mount and the strut mount bearing. Use a crowbar.
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DIY MINI Convertible (R52) Shock Absorber replacement - online guide
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