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) Works, MINI Hatchback (R50, R53) Cooper S, MINI Hatchback (R50, R53) One D, MINI Hatchback (R50, R53) S Works, MINI Hatchback (R50, R53) One View more

The steps may slightly vary depending on the car design.

How to change rear shock strut on MINI COOPER 1 (R50, R53) [TUTORIAL AUTODOC]

video
All the parts you need to replace – Shock Absorber for Hatchback (R50, R53) and other MINI models
How to change Shock absorber on Mini R53 1.6 Cooper – step-by-step instructions for straightforward car repair
Shock absorber
How to change Suspension Strut on Mini R53 1.6 Cooper – step-by-step instructions for straightforward car repair
Suspension Strut
Tools
Replacement: suspension strut – Mini R50, R53. 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 R50, R53. 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 R50, R53.
Carry out replacement in the following order:
  1. Step 1
    How to change Shock Absorber on Mini R53 2001 - free PDF and video manuals
    Secure the wheels with chocks.
  2. Step 2
    How to replace MINI Hatchback (R50, R53) 1.6 Cooper 2002 Shock Absorber - step-by-step manuals and video guides
    Loosen the wheel mounting bolts. Use wheel impact socket #17.
  3. Step 3
    Mini R53 1.6 One 2003 Shock Absorber replacement: free workshop manuals
    Raise the rear of the car and secure on supports.
  4. Step 4
    Changing Shock Absorber on MINI Hatchback (R50, R53) 1.4 D One 2004 by yourself
    Unscrew the wheel bolts.
    Replacement: suspension strut – Mini R50, R53. Tip:
    To avoid injury, hold up the wheel when unscrewing the bolts.
  5. Step 5
    How to remove MINI MINI 1.4 One D 2005 Shock Absorber - online easy-to-follow instructions
    Remove the wheel.
  6. Step 6
    How to replace Shock Absorber on MINI Hatchback (R50, R53) 2006: download PDF manuals and video instructions
    Clean the shock strut fasteners. Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.
  7. Step 7
    How hard is it to do yourself: Shock Absorber replacement on Mini R53 1.6 John Cooper Works 2001 - download illustrated guide
    Unscrew the lower fastener of the shock absorber strut. Use a drive socket #21. Use a ratchet wrench. Use a tap wrench.
  8. Step 8
    Need to know how to renew Shock Absorber on MINI MINI 2002? This free workshop manual will help you to do it yourself
    Disconnect the wiring and the brake hose from the bracket on the shock strut.
  9. Step 9
    Changing of Shock Absorber on Mini R53 2003 won't be an issue if you follow this illustrated step-by-step guide
    Unscrew the upper fastening of the shock absorber strut. Use a drive socket #13. Use a ratchet wrench.
    Replacement: suspension strut – Mini R50, R53. AUTODOC recommends:
    To avoid injuries, hold the shock strut when undoing the fastening bolts.
  10. Step 10
    MINI MINI S Works Shock Absorber replacement: online guides and video tutorials
    Remove the suspension strut.
  11. Step 11
    Replacing Shock Absorber on Mini R53 2005 1.6 Cooper by yourself
    Set the shock absorber strut on the spring compressor tool.
    Replacement: suspension strut – Mini R50, R53. 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.
  12. Step 12
    Hatchback (R50, R53) 1.4 One D 2006 Shock Absorber DIY replacement workshop manual
    Compress the spring.
  13. Step 13
    How to change Shock Absorber on MINI Hatchback (R50, R53) 2001 - tips and tricks
    Remove the strut piston rod nut. Use HEX No.H6. Use a combination spanner #19. Use a ratchet wrench.
  14. Step 14
    Step-by-step recommendations for DIY replacement Mini R53 2002 1.4 One D Shock Absorber
    Remove the shock absorber mount, boot and bump stop.
    AUTODOC recommends:
    Replacement: suspension strut – Mini R50, R53. Carefully inspect the mount, the boot, and the bump stop of the shock absorber. Replace if necessary.
  15. Step 15
    DIY replacement of Shock Absorber on MINI Hatchback (R50, R53) 1.6 Cooper S 2003 is not an issue anymore with our step-by-step tutorial
    Release the coil spring.
  16. Step 16
    How to change Shock Absorber on Mini R53 2001 - free PDF and video manuals
    Remove the spring.
  17. Step 17
    How to replace MINI Hatchback (R50, R53) 1.6 Cooper 2002 Shock Absorber - step-by-step manuals and video guides
    Remove the old shock absorber from the hydraulic coil spring compressor.
    Replacement: suspension strut – Mini R50, R53. Professionals recommend:
    Before installing a new shock absorber you should pump it manually 3-5 times.
  18. Step 18
    Mini R53 1.6 One 2003 Shock Absorber replacement: free workshop manuals
    Install the new shock absorber on the hydraulic coil spring compressor.
  19. Step 19
    Changing Shock Absorber on MINI Hatchback (R50, R53) 1.4 D One 2004 by yourself
    Install the dust sleeve and the bump stop on the new shock absorber.
  20. Step 20
    How to remove MINI MINI 1.4 One D 2005 Shock Absorber - online easy-to-follow instructions
    Install the spring on the shock absorber.
  21. Step 21
    How to replace Shock Absorber on MINI Hatchback (R50, R53) 2006: download PDF manuals and video instructions
    Compress the spring.
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DIY MINI Hatchback (R50, R53) Shock Absorber replacement - online guide
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