Important!
This replacement procedure can be used for:
MINI Convertible (R52) One, MINI Convertible (R52) Cooper, MINI Convertible (R52) Cooper S, MINI Convertible (R52) John Cooper Works 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). Tools you might need:
Wire brush
WD-40 spray
Copper grease
Combination spanner #19
Drive socket # 13
Drive socket # 21
HEX bit No.H6.
Wheel impact socket #17
Ratchet wrench
Torque wrench
Tap wrench
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 rear suspension should be replaced simultaneously.
  • The replacement procedure is identical for the left and right shock struts of the rear suspension.
  • Warning! Shut down the engine before starting any work – MINI MINI Convertible (R52).
Carry out replacement in the following order:
  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 rear 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). Tip:
    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 shock strut fasteners. Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
  6. Step 7
    How to replace Shock Absorber on MINI Convertible (R52) 2005: download PDF manuals and video instructions
    Unscrew the lower fastener of the shock absorber strut. Use a drive socket #21. Use a ratchet wrench. Use a tap wrench.
  7. Step 8
    How hard is it to do yourself: Shock Absorber replacement on Mini r52 Cooper S 2006 - download illustrated guide
    Disconnect the wiring and the brake hose from the bracket on the shock strut.
  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 upper fastening of the shock absorber strut. Use a drive socket #13. Use a ratchet wrench.
    Replacement: suspension strut – MINI MINI Convertible (R52). AUTODOC recommends:
    To avoid injuries, hold the shock strut when undoing the fastening bolts.
  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
    Remove the suspension strut.
  10. Step 11
    MINI Cabrio 1.6 Cooper S Shock Absorber replacement: online guides and video tutorials
    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.
  11. Step 12
    Replacing Shock Absorber on Mini r52 2006 Cooper by yourself
    Compress the spring.
  12. Step 13
    Convertible (R52) 1.6 John Cooper Works 2007 Shock Absorber DIY replacement workshop manual
    Remove the strut piston rod nut. Use HEX No.H6. Use a combination spanner #19. Use a ratchet wrench.
  13. Step 14
    How to change Shock Absorber on MINI Convertible (R52) 2004 - tips and tricks
    Remove the shock absorber mount, boot and bump stop.
    AUTODOC recommends:
    Replacement: suspension strut – MINI MINI Convertible (R52). Carefully inspect the mount, the boot, and the bump stop of the shock absorber. Replace if necessary.
  14. Step 15
    Step-by-step recommendations for DIY replacement Mini r52 2005 1.6 John Cooper Works Shock Absorber
    Release the coil spring.
  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
    Remove the spring.
  16. Step 17
    How to change Shock Absorber on Mini r52 2004 - free PDF and video manuals
    Remove the old shock absorber from the hydraulic coil spring compressor.
    Replacement: suspension strut – MINI MINI Convertible (R52). Professionals recommend:
    Before installing a new shock absorber you should pump it manually 3-5 times.
  17. Step 18
    How to replace MINI Convertible (R52) Cooper 2005 Shock Absorber - step-by-step manuals and video guides
    Install the new shock absorber on the hydraulic coil spring compressor.
  18. Step 19
    Mini r52 Cooper S 2006 Shock Absorber replacement: free workshop manuals
    Install the dust sleeve and the bump stop on the new shock absorber.
  19. Step 20
    Changing Shock Absorber on MINI Convertible (R52) 1.6 Cooper S 2007 by yourself
    Install the spring on the shock absorber.
  20. Step 21
    How to remove MINI Cabrio 1.6 John Cooper Works 2004 Shock Absorber - online easy-to-follow instructions
    Compress the spring.
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DIY MINI Convertible (R52) Shock Absorber replacement - online guide
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