A key part of any suspension system, having fully-working shock absorbers will ensure a smooth and safe drive. The pump-like devices keep a vehicle’s tyres in contact with the road by controlling the rebound of its suspension springs – as long as the tyres remain in contact with the road, steering, handling and braking will be at optimal levels.
Here we've outlined the step-by-step breakdown of checking or replacing your Mini's front suspension & replacing shock absorbers:
- Jack up the front of the Mini under the subframe (not bodywork) stabilise with axle stands.
- Remove the road wheels.
- Check the wheel bearings for play, if play is excessive adjust the bearing preload or replace
- Check the shock absorbers for oil leaks or corrosion, replace if necessary.
- Check the upper and lower ball joints for excessive play and for tightness when turning the steering, re shim or replace as necessary.
- Check for excessive movement in the track rod ends and steering rack, replace as necessary.
- Turn the steering by twisting the swivel hub, observe any notchy feeling or free play.
- Check the condition of the lower arm bushes and tie rod bushes - replace as necessary.
- Check the tie rods for bends or corrosion, replace as necessary Check for excessive play in the upper arm bearings, replace as necessary
- Visually inspect the knuckle joint rubber cover and cup for damage or deterioration.
- Visually check the suspension cone for excessive compression or corrosion, replace as necessary.
- Visually check the bump stop and rebound buffer for condition, replace as necessary
- Re-grease the upper and lower ball joints.
- Refit the road wheels and tighten the wheel nuts.
- Drop the mini back onto the ground and torque the wheel nuts.
Procedure for replacing the front shock absorber :-
- With the Mini jacked up at the front and stabilised on axle stands, and the road wheel removed.
- Undo the upper and lower securing nuts and remove the washers, remove the shock absorber and replace with a new unit in reverse order (always replace shock absorbers in pairs - Axle set)
Procedure for replacing the rear suspension :-
- Chock the front wheels and put the car in reverse gear. Jack up the rear of the car under the subframe (not by the bodywork!) and stabilise with axle stands - remove the road wheels and release the handbrake.
- Check the wheel bearings for excessive play - adjust or replace as necessary
- Check the radius arm and spindle for excessive movement - replace the spindle & bushes or exchange the arms for reconditioned ones, if play is excessive.
- Check the shock absorbers for leaks or corrosion - replace if necessary (replace in pairs per axle)
- Lift the wheel up to test the shock absorber, there should be some resistance when lifting, if there is very little or no resistance , then the shock absorber will need replacing (replace in pairs per axle)
- Check the knuckle joint rubbers and plastic cups - replace as necessary
- Visually inspect the suspension cones for compression - replace if compressed or corroded.
- Re-grease the radius arm spindles
- Refit the road wheels and tighten the wheel nuts.
- Drop the car back onto the ground and torque the wheel nuts
Procedure for replacing the rear shock absorbers :-
- With the rear of the Mini jacked up and stabilised with axle stands and rear wheels removed, put the jack under the radius arm behind the brake assembly.
- Jack up the radius arm to compress the shock absorber.
- Unscrew the top and bottom securing nuts and remove associated washers and bushes.
- Slowly lower the radius arm to release the shock absorber and then remove the shock absorber from the radius arm.
- Procedure for replacing the shock absorber is the exact reversal of the removal procedure.
If you need any help or have any questions our dedicated Mini experts are always on hand to answer your enquiries on anything Mini – get in touch!
Speak to us on +44 (0) 1282 778 731 or send an e-mail to sales@minisport.com and we’ll be back in touch as soon as possible.
Alternatively you can also shop our entire Mini Suspension range here or reference our Suspension 'Easy Parts Finder' below.