R50/R53 :: Hatch Talk (2002-2006) Cooper (R50) and Cooper S (R53) hatchback discussion.

R50/53 2002 mini lower control arm bushing bracket - tab bolt broken - advise

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  #1  
Old 05-08-2022 | 05:58 PM
Mini1776's Avatar
Mini1776
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2002 mini lower control arm bushing bracket - tab bolt broken - advise

Working on a 2002 mini cooper.
Replaced the control arm bushing without dropping subframe.
There are 3 bolts that attach the bushing bracket. The piece highlighted below gave way and snapped off.
Attempted to remove the other 2 bolts - broke the SOCKET. Safe to say those aren't coming out. Anyways, I got the new bushing in, bracket feels solid with the existing 2 bolts that hold it to the frame.
Realistically, should I be worried that this one bolt gone is going to cause any issues ally?




 
  #2  
Old 05-08-2022 | 07:37 PM
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jjcsnlynn
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From: Delaware
I don’t think what you circled is a bolt. The two on the left are really tight. I had the subframe out and it took a 3 ft breaker bar to break them loose.

It’s also tough to remove the bushings and get them back on without the subframe removed. I would suggest you consider removing the subframe to replace the bushings.
 
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  #3  
Old 05-09-2022 | 04:14 AM
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ChiefM
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From: Georgia
I personally would drop down the subframe and remove the broken bolt.
 
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  #4  
Old 05-09-2022 | 07:30 AM
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Rehm11
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When I didn’t have a bolt in that tab area it would drift left and right on accel and decel pretty scary when u end up in another lane
 
  #5  
Old 05-09-2022 | 07:35 AM
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cooper48
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From: DFW, TX
Can you not have the tab welded back on? I personally would not drive the car with such an important piece of the suspension compromised.
 
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