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 New Owner in need of advice

 Created by: VeganMarine
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 Posted: Jun 15, 2020 10:36AM
Total posts: 3
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Member since:Jun 11, 2020
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Thanks for the replies y'all, its much appreciated. I realized after my last post that i can rent the spring compressor from autozone and will do that. I will try to do this over two days just to be safe. I dont want to drive as is right now because the strut place currently is ripped almost all the way around, also the passenger side front shock is different from all the rest, its very weird the previous owner only changed one. its making it sit higher on that side and i had no idea until i noticed the split plate. 

Last question is my ignorance on the adjustment of the new koni's. You said they were set to the "softest", i just want to make sure for the sake of being certain that i shouldnt have to adjust these at all from the package? just compress the springs and attach everything that was on the previous ones? If i do need to adjust it, where is the best place to get that information? Thanks again. should be doing this on Wed. 

Brad

 Posted: Jun 15, 2020 08:11AM
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It’s gonna take more than a day if you have not done this before. Take your time, do it right. A good auto parts store with a shop can assemble the front strut assembly’s for you. Quick struts cost more, but come assembled with new springs and rotator bearings Included. Drive it like it is for now, it’s not likely to get worse on one trip.

 Posted: Jun 15, 2020 07:19AM
 Edited:  Jun 15, 2020 07:40AM
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The springs are under quite a bit of pressure in the assembly, simply undoing the top nut without unloading it with a spring compressor would at best result in losing the nut and plate when it goes flying, and at worst an injury to whoever is nearby when it goes flying. I wouldn't suggest it.
You can usually rent spring compressors for this type of strut design at an Autozone or NAPA store.

Also, yes I meant that you can beat the tower flat - remove the strut first but be careful to inspect it, as the top plate may have some mushrooming too.

The KONI Sports have adjustable valving and are a direct drop in upgrade, softest rebound setting should be just fine with the stock springs - that said, once those plates are in place and the mushroomed towers have been flattened... you will need to take the care in for an alignment as it will be way off after that.

_Xavier


Xavier, Sales/tech - 800-46-2642

 Posted: Jun 13, 2020 03:42PM
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Thank you for getting back to me. It has been a whirlwind of a time going back and forth about how I can tackle this in a timely manner. Have a long road trip planned soon and need to get this done. I have ordered all four koni's and got the boot as well. I hope to be able to replace these shocks myself in a day. However, im alittle concerned now about the spring compressor. Ive seen a few videos where people manage without the compressor. Is this not possible? oh boy.. Any tips if i run into an issue and have everything down without a spring compressor?
Previously you mentioned the beating out of the mushroom but indicated to watch out for the plate, Would it not be better to beat the mushroom with the strut out? 

Lastly, whats the best advice in how to set up/adjust the konis with stock springs? thanks.

semper fi

 Posted: Jun 12, 2020 01:12PM
 Edited:  Jun 12, 2020 01:25PM
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Hello,

Xavier from Mini Mania here - the deformation of the strut tower is common and can cause all sorts of problems (including torn cv boots due to poor alignment) - Cravenspeed makes these special plates to prevent it - but not sure how well they would work once the mushrooming is already there - there are different plates for the top or bottom - or you can use them both for even more re-enforcement. 

(EDIT) you can hammer the mushrooming out with a block of wood and some gentle blows - just be sure to check the condition of the top strut bearing plate... as it may have some deformation to

We sell the Koni struts in pairs (front or rear) because of subtle differences in valving between aftermarket and OE shocks - you want to replacement them at least in pairs. Koni Sports would be an upgrade from OEM. You would need at least a spring compressor or a shop that would be willing to dismantle the assembly and install the new strut. Some aftermarket manufacturers like Monroe make "quick struts" which are complete assemblies ready to install. I personally have not had great luck with the quality of these complete units.

Replacing the CV boot is one option - and a cost saving one for sure compared to replacing the axle.  but only if you catch it quickly and there isn't already damage done to the CV (no noise, smooth movement through the normal range) MINI offers boot kits which we sell HERE

I've seen "split" boots that can be installed while the drive shaft is still in the car, certainly cuts down in install time and tools required but they are not as reliable or long lasting as a proper boot - which would require specialized tools to replace. 

hope that helps!

Semper Fi!

_Xavier


Xavier, Sales/tech - 800-46-2642

 Posted: Jun 11, 2020 04:11PM
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Hello,
Proud, first time owner of a Gen 1 R53 Mini. I love the car and plan on keeping it for good. However, I need advice regarding a few things related to the suspension. I have already begun basic upgrades with ignition wires and intake and have turned my focus to the suspension. I have not noticed massive "mushrooming" on the struts but i can definitely tell the passenger side is pushing up a bit. Upon further investigation the bushing looks to be busted. I looked closer and could see a CV boot is torn as well. It was also very interesting to see that the shock on the passenger side looks to be one of the "gold/yellow" Koni shocks with the original black spring. On the drivers side it looks like the original shock and spring. Where i need help is determining the most cost efficient way to move forward with making this thing right and with an upgrade so to speak. I would like the advice from you all as to what set i should buy that would hopefully include everything rather than just parting things piece by piece. is it extremely important to change the rear out if i do the front together? Is there a way to know if I should just replace the passenger side "koni" out or if its still good? Are the "strut support" plates placed on top or underneath? i was a mechanic in the military so i can turn a wrench, however im very limited on the tools i have available which is why it would be nice to have a kit with the bushings already attached. As far as the CV boot, how hard is it to change just the boot? or is it easier to change the whole shaft? Thank you all in advance.