Hey All,
So I am getting ready to replace the passenger side ball joint on my 2006 MCS JCW as last time I had the tired rotated they let me know it was shot. And I had been noticing some clunks and looseness in the steering. I am going to replace the ball joint with this:

http://www.partstrain.com/store/deta...Passenger_Side

Seems to be a good fit. I just wanted to get any suggestions. Budget is really tight atm as I am about to move, but is that a good part and should I be replacing anything else at the same time?

Also, when I shift gears, I have noticed that the gates have gotten much stiffer than normal. I have to push harder to get the car into gear. I read that pulling the boot off and lubing the clutch lines and any other exposed parts with white lithium grease might help this issue. Any thoughts on why the gates are suddenly not as accepting as they used to be? Clutch seems okay, and it catches nicely once the car is in gear.

Any thoughts you guys have would be great! Thanks!

Ed

 

Clutch lines?

Do you mean the shifter cables? If so, yes - that could be all it needs for the stiff shifting problem.

Are you sure the problem's in the ball joint? Who told you it was bad? Are you sure you're competant and have the right tools to do this job?

A lot of cars have had broken or worn out rubber lower control arm bushings that cause clunks and looseness in the front end, I'd hate to see you spend money on something that wasn't needed. Don't forget to get the car aligned again if you do front end work, no sense in fixing worn parts and then wearing out the tires cause you didn't re-align it.

As to the quality of non OEM parts, you pays yer money and you takes yer chances - but I buy important parts like suspension hard parts from the dealer.

 

Well, I would struggle with this job if I were going to do it myself, but I have three friends who are very competent mechanics, all of who have offered to come over and help. I plan to drop the sub frame, for which I have found a number of pictorial walkthroughs here on this forum and other places.. I also have the Bentley Service manual. I am hoping between all of those this job should not be to challenging.. I had toyed with replacing the rubber control arm bushings with power flex ones at the same time as doing the ball joint. From what it seems you are suggesting that it could be a good idea. I have read that it is good to do while you have the sub frame down anyway.

As for who told me, it was my local tire place. I was having them check the wear on the wheel bearings while rotating and balancing my tires, they said that the wheel bearings seemed fine, with no major signs of wear, but there was a ton of play in the passenger side front ball joint. Symptoms so seem to fit, car follows ruts, steering is loose etc.. but I do not have a whole lot of experience with these things. Though the car has 115,000 miles and I have never replaced the joints so its prolly time anyway?

Any other thoughts? I dont have a mini dealership near me. The closes one is 1.5 hours away, so I can order the parts but I will have shipping on top of them.. I seem to remember reading a post on here where MiniMadness or someone like them had a bundle of both from inner and outer ball joints and power flex bushings for like 275... could not seem to dig it up though.

Thanks in advance,
Ed

 

A few places like waymotorworks have both aftermarket parts and can get oem also...usually cheaper than the dealer. His website is ok, but a phone call is all it takes.
+1 for lube the shift linkages.

 

This is what I was thinking of. Anyone installed these or had any luck.

http://www.waymotorworks.com/powerfl...ll-joints.html

 

The parts you show from Way will be a great start. Been there, done that. If you can, I would order the lower control arm bushings already installed into the arms. Ordered mine from Way and it made the parts swap easier. With the shifting problem you discribe, I had a similar problem. The shifting overtime seemed to get harder, more notchy. Just seem to take more effort from first to second to third. I purchased the powerflex motor mounts inserts and installed. Afterwards, the notchyness was gone. Time on the motor mounts tends to make them worn, soft, and allow the motor to move more. Be aware that the motor mounts inserts will create a little more vibration. Just my two cents worth. Way is the way to go by the way.
http://www.waymotorworks.com/powerfl...shing-set.html

 

I am going to order the parts from Way tomorrow. Everyone on the forums says great things about his parts so I feel comfortable. A local shop said they could press the bushings for 15$ for the pair.. That seemed reasonable.. I know you get most of the money back when you order them pressed and send the part back.. I just cant afford it right now :( I am moving from NC to MN in the next 3 weeks due to work and it was unexpected so.. money is really tight :P I will install that and grease up the shifter cables and report back. I am sure the engine mounts need changed all of them I will put that on my to do list for the next few months. Thanks for the support all!

 

Alright, parts ordered.. I ended up getting the pre-pressed. Way was super nice and helpful so hopefully I will be motoring around in no time!