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How to change front suspension strut on MINI Convertible (R52) – replacement guide
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Important!
This replacement procedure can be used for:
MINI Convertible (R52) Cooper S, MINI Convertible (R52) Cooper S, MINI Convertible (R52) Cooper, MINI Convertible (R52) One … View more
The steps may slightly vary depending on the car design.
MINI Convertible (R52) Cooper S, MINI Convertible (R52) Cooper S, MINI Convertible (R52) Cooper, MINI Convertible (R52) One … 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
All the parts you need to replace – Shock Absorber for Convertible (R52) and other MINI models
Shock absorber
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: 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:
- 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: suspension strut – MINI MINI Convertible (R52). AUTODOC recommends: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: suspension strut – MINI MINI Convertible (R52). Tip: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:Important! Hold the suspension strut while unscrewing the fastening bolts. MINI MINI Convertible (R52)
- Step 15Remove the suspension strut.
- Step 16Set 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.
- 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 20Release the coil spring.
- Step 21Remove the spring.
- Step 22Remove 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.
- Step 23Install the new shock absorber on the hydraulic coil spring compressor.
- Step 24Install the dust sleeve and the bump stop on the new shock absorber.
- Step 25Install the spring on the shock absorber.
- Step 26Install the upper strut mount and the strut mount bearing. Use a crowbar.
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