How to change front coil springs 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) One D,
MINI Hatchback (R50, R53) One D
…
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The steps may slightly vary depending on the car design.
How to change front springs / front coil springs on MINI COOPER 1 (R50, R53) [TUTORIAL AUTODOC]
All the parts you need to replace – Springs for Hatchback (R50, R53) and other MINI models
Replacement: coil springs – Mini R50, R53. Tip from AUTODOC experts:
Both coil springs of the front suspension should be replaced simultaneously.
The replacement procedure is identical for the left and right coil springs of the front suspension.
All work should be done with the engine stopped.
Replacement: coil springs – Mini R50, R53. Use the following procedure:
Step 1
Secure the wheels with chocks.
Step 2
Loosen the wheel mounting bolts. Use wheel impact socket #17.
Step 3
Raise the front of the car and secure on supports.
Step 4
Unscrew the wheel bolts.
AUTODOC recommends:
Important! Hold the wheel while unscrewing the fastening bolts. Mini R50, R53
Step 5
Remove the wheel.
Step 6
Clean the fasteners of the shock strut upper mount. Use WD-40 spray.
Step 7
Disconnect the wiring and the brake hose from the bracket on the shock strut.
Step 8
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.
Step 9
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.
Step 10
Unscrew the lower fastener connecting the shock strut to the steering knuckle. Use a drive socket #18. Use a ratchet wrench. Use a tap wrench.
Step 11
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.
Step 12
Prop up the steering knuckle. Use a hydraulic transmission jack.
Step 13
Disconnect the steering knuckle from the shock absorber strut. Use a flat metal-working chisel. Use a hammer.
Replacement: coil springs – Mini R50, R53. Tip from AUTODOC experts:
Make sure that the steering knuckle is not released from load.
Step 14
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 R50, R53
Step 15
Remove the suspension strut.
Step 16
Set the shock absorber strut on the spring compressor tool.
Replacement: coil springs – Mini R50, R53. Tip from AUTODOC:
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 17
Compress the spring.
Step 18
Remove the strut piston rod nut. Use HEX No.H7. Use a drive socket #18. Use a ratchet wrench.
Step 19
Remove the top mount.
Step 20
Release the coil spring.
Step 21
Remove the spring.
Step 22
Install the spring on the shock absorber.
Step 23
Compress the spring.
Step 24
Install the upper strut mount and the strut mount bearing. Use a crowbar.
Step 25
Tighten 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: coil springs – Mini R50, R53. Tip from AUTODOC experts:
Check to make sure the spring is positioned correctly. Avoid its misalignment.
Step 26
Decompress the spring.
Step 27
Remove the assembled shock strut.
Step 28
Install the shock strut into the wheel arch.
Step 29
Tighten the upper fastening nut of the shock absorber strut. Do not tighten it.
AUTODOC recommends:
Mini R50, R53 – To avoid injury, hold the suspension strut while screwing in the fastening bolts.
Step 30
Treat the shock strut mounting seat on the steering knuckle. Use WD-40 spray.
Step 31
Fix the shock absorber strut on the steering knuckle.
Step 32
Install and tighten a new bolt of the steering knuckle. Use XZN #14. Use a torque wrench. Tighten it to 81 Nm torque.
Step 33
Remove the support from under the steering knuckle.
AUTODOC recommends:
Mini R50, R53 – Do not lower the transmission jack sharply to avoid damaging components and mechanisms of the car.
Step 34
Secure the stabilizer link on the suspension strut. Use a drive socket #16. Use a torque wrench. Tighten it to 56 Nm torque.
Step 35
Connect the fastener of the ABS sensor cable to the shock absorber strut. Fasten the brake hose on the strut.
Step 36
Clean the wheel rim mounting seat. Use a wire brush. Treat the contacting surface. Use copper grease.
Step 37
Install the wheel.
AUTODOC recommends:
Important! Hold the wheel while screwing in the fastening bolts. Mini R50, R53
Step 38
Screw in the wheel bolts. Use wheel impact socket #17.
Step 39
Tighten the shock strut top mount. Use a drive socket #13. Use a torque wrench. Tighten it to 34 Nm torque.
Step 40
Treat the shock strut rod. Use copper grease.
Step 41
Lower the car and working in a cross order, tighten the wheel bolts. Use wheel impact socket #17. Use a torque wrench. Tighten it to 110 Nm torque.
Step 42
Remove the jacks and chocks.
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