How to change a front shock strut on MINI COOPER 1 (R50, R53) [TUTORIAL AUTODOC]

Required tools: Wire brush WD-40 spray Copper grease

Combination spanner #16 Combination spanner #18 Drive socket # 13

Drive socket # 16 Drive socket # 18 HEX bit No.H6. HEX bit No.H7.

XZN socket bit # 14 Shock absorber socket

Wheel impact socket #17 Ratchet wrench Torque wrench Flat chisel

Hammer Tap wrench Crow bar Hydraulic transmission jack

Hydraulic strut spring compressor Wheel chock

1. Raise the front of the car and secure on supports.

2. Unscrew the wheel bolts. Use wheel impact socket #17.

AUTODOC recommends: To avoid injury, hold up the wheel when unscrewing the bolts.

3. Clean the fasteners of the shock strut upper mount. Use WD-40 spray.

4. Disconnect the wiring and the brake hose from the bracket on the shock strut.

5. Clean the fasteners connecting the stabiliser link to the shock strut, and those connecting the shock strut to the steering knuckle.

Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.

6. Unscrew the nut and remove the stabilizer rod from the shock strut.

Use a combination spanner #16. Use HEX No.H6. Use a ratchet wrench.

7. Unscrew the lower fastener connecting the shock strut to the steering knuckle. Use XZN #14.

Use a ratchet wrench. Use a tap wrench.

8. Release the lower fastener connecting the shock strut to the steering knuckle.

Use a special drive socket to remove the shock absorber. Use a ratchet wrench.

9. Prop up the steering knuckle. Use a hydraulic transmission jack.

10. Disconnect the steering knuckle from the shock absorber strut.

Use a flat metal-working chisel. Use a hammer.

AUTODOC recommends: Make sure that the steering knuckle is not released from load.

11. Unscrew the upper fastening of the shock absorber strut. Use a drive socket #13. Use a ratchet wrench.

AUTODOC recommends: To avoid injuries, hold the shock strut when undoing the fastening bolts.

12. Remove the suspension strut.

13. Set the shock absorber strut on the spring compressor tool.

AUTODOC recommends: Note that when using a spring compressor,

spring coils need to be securely gripped, compressing the spring on the opposite sides.

Ensure the correct position of the spring in the retainer.

Make sure that the spring coils tightly entered the lock handles.

14. Compress the spring.

15. Remove the strut piston rod nut. Use HEX No.H7.

Use a drive socket #18. Use a ratchet wrench.

16. Remove the shock strut mount.

17. Release the coil spring.

18. Remove the spring.

19. Remove the old shock absorber from the hydraulic coil spring compressor.

AUTODOC recommends: Τhoroughly examine the shock absorber mount, dust boot, bump stop.

Replace them if necessary.

Before installing a new shock absorber you should pump it manually 3-5 times.

20. Install the new shock absorber on the hydraulic coil spring compressor.

21. Install the dust sleeve and the bump stop on the new shock absorber.

22. Install the spring on the shock absorber.

23. Install the upper strut mount and the strut mount bearing. Use a crowbar.

24. Tighten the shock strut piston rod nut.

Use a drive socket #18.

Use a combination spanner #18. Use HEX No.H7.

Use a torque wrench. Tighten it to 64 Nm torque.

AUTODOC recommends: Check to make sure the spring is positioned correctly. Avoid its misalignment.

25. Decompress the spring.

26. Remove the assembled shock strut.

27. Install the shock strut into the wheel arch.

28. Secure the upper fasteners of the shock strut (3 pieces). Do not tighten it.

AUTODOC recommends: To avoid injuries, hold the shock strut when screwing the fastening bolts in.

29. Treat the shock strut mounting seat on the steering knuckle.

Use a wire brush. Use WD-40 spray.

30. Fix the shock absorber strut on the steering knuckle.

31. Install and tighten a new bolt of the steering knuckle. Use XZN #14.

Use a torque wrench. Tighten it to 81 Nm torque.

32. Remove the support from under the steering knuckle.

33. Secure the stabilizer link on the suspension strut.

Use a drive socket #16. Use a torque wrench. Tighten it to 56 Nm torque.

34. Connect the fastener of the ABS sensor cable to the shock absorber strut.

Fasten the brake hose on the strut.

35. Clean the wheel rim mounting seat. Use a wire brush.

Treat the contacting surface. Use copper grease.

36. Screw in the wheel bolts. Use wheel impact socket #17.

AUTODOC recommends: To avoid injury, hold up the wheel when screwing in the fastening bolts.

37. Tighten the shock strut top mount. Use a drive socket #13.

Use a torque wrench. Tighten it to 34 Nm torque.

38. Treat the shock strut rod. Use copper grease.

39. Lower the car and working in a cross order, tighten the wheel bolts.

Use a torque wrench. Tighten it to 110 Nm torque.