R50/53 Aftermarket (Moog) Strut Mount/Tower Doming – Help!
#1
Aftermarket (Moog) Strut Mount/Tower Doming – Help!
Hey guys,
I'm no stranger to wrenching on my 2004 Mini Cooper R50, but I think something is wonky with my fresh front suspension install.
My passenger side strut tower was cracked, so I ordered new Moog strut towers from RockAuto, along with new Bilstein front suspension because she's about due anyway. After installing the new struts, boots, strut mount, etc (reused springs), I took her out for a spin.
Upon returning and inspecting, it appears that the strut towers are domed on both sides, after just 9 miles! I'm not sure what's going on here, it's not like I haven't done suspension before. Everything went back together the way it came apart just fine, but I'm blown away at what I'm looking at. Faulty parts? Normal "break in" for this aftermarket brand? Not sure, any advice is appreciated.
left side: cracking of coating on strut mount, as well as heavy doming after a 9 miles drive
right side: cracking of coating on strut mount, as well as heavy doming after a 9 miles drive
I'm no stranger to wrenching on my 2004 Mini Cooper R50, but I think something is wonky with my fresh front suspension install.
My passenger side strut tower was cracked, so I ordered new Moog strut towers from RockAuto, along with new Bilstein front suspension because she's about due anyway. After installing the new struts, boots, strut mount, etc (reused springs), I took her out for a spin.
Upon returning and inspecting, it appears that the strut towers are domed on both sides, after just 9 miles! I'm not sure what's going on here, it's not like I haven't done suspension before. Everything went back together the way it came apart just fine, but I'm blown away at what I'm looking at. Faulty parts? Normal "break in" for this aftermarket brand? Not sure, any advice is appreciated.
left side: cracking of coating on strut mount, as well as heavy doming after a 9 miles drive
right side: cracking of coating on strut mount, as well as heavy doming after a 9 miles drive
Last edited by ryangschultz; 05-10-2016 at 07:02 PM.
#2
Some people have had issue with the Moog and Monroe versions :
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ut-mounts.html
I done the lemfoder with no issues.
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ut-mounts.html
I done the lemfoder with no issues.
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#3
#4
You are welcome. If you need anything else , let me know.
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#5
I had the same problem, when I replaced my original mounts with Monroe's got them off eBay, mistake, I had confidence in the Monroe name from other cars I have had. They started to squeak when ever I turned the wheel when driving, on the first day. Solution stick with OEM and you won't have any problems. The only bonus in this, was that now I can remove the shocks in about 15 min a side. Good luck Foo
#6
Glad to hear it Foo, yeah apparently Moog's aren't any better. I'm going to take a shot with the Sachs, sounds like people have had success and at a fraction of the cost of OEM. I figure on the off chance those are bad too I'll get my money back and just get OEMs.
And ha! Gotta love how much quicker you can do a job after you've already done it.
And ha! Gotta love how much quicker you can do a job after you've already done it.
#7
Just to post an update in case anyone stumbles across this thread, I purchased a replacement set of Sachs strut mounts from RockAuto and installed them a couple days ago. I noticed an immediate difference, no massive flex in the mounts like there was with the Moogs. RockAuto is taking the Moogs on return no problem.
Just put down about 500 miles on the Sachs and they still look perfecto, so not bad for a $35 per side alternative to the $130+ per side OEMs. We'll see how they handle in the long run. Thanks guys!
Just put down about 500 miles on the Sachs and they still look perfecto, so not bad for a $35 per side alternative to the $130+ per side OEMs. We'll see how they handle in the long run. Thanks guys!
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#8
Welcome, thanks for the update.
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Customer Service Hours: 8am-8pm EST|Sales Team Hours: 8am-11pm | SAT 10am-7pm 800.924.5172
MINI Guru/ MINI Owner Since 2004 | NEW Lifetime Part Replacement | Local Pickup
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Customer Service Hours: 8am-8pm EST|Sales Team Hours: 8am-11pm | SAT 10am-7pm 800.924.5172
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