Lowering or removing the Mini Coopers sub-frame is required for a number of maintenance and repair tasks.
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Tools needed for subframe removal:
8mm, 10mm, 13mm, 16mm, 17mm, 18mm sockets
Socket extension
¼ drive and/or 3/8ths drive ratchet, ½ inch drive ratchet and/or long breaker bar
17mm open end wrench, (optional 16mm ratcheting box end wrench)
Phillips screw driver
Ball joint removal tool (BMW 32-3-090 or equivalent, KD3916 used)
Torque wrenches capable of 7 to 74 ft-lb range
Equipment:
Automotive hydraulic jack
Vehicle stands
Remove the reservoir bracket (10mm socket) and bend the heat shield upward to allow the reservoir to pass downward; it is easier to perform these steps before lifting the vehicle.
Place the vehicle on stands and remove the front wheels (17mm socket). Remove the lower steering shaft universal joint pinch bolt with a 13mm (ratcheting box end or ratchet & socket).
Remove the bumper cover and bumper. Although this can be done solo it helps to have assistance holding the bumper cover while unplugging the light fixtures and thermometer.
Unscrew this bolt (10mm) connecting the radiator support to the crush tube.
Unbolt the crush tube (16mm); this is where a long breaker-bar or long handled ½ inch drive ratchet (recommended) come in handy.
Disconnect the drop link from the swaybar (16mm socket, 17mm open end wrench). The tie rod can get in the way for access with a ratchet so, either use a ratcheting box end wrench, disconnect the link’s upper mounting point first, or pop the tie rod ball joint. The sequence is not critical, but removal is.
Take the wheel speed sensor wire off its perch.
Xenon equiped vehicles will have a leveling sensor attached to the control arm (not shown), disconnect the connector.
Loosten the tie rod nut (13mm deep socket), unscrew up to the top, but leave in place to protect the bolt threads during the next step.
Pop the steering tie rod ball joint; be careful here because it will release energy violently so never operate a ball joint removal tool overhead (nut on bolt not shown).
Unbolt the outer ball joint bracket to steering knuckle (13mm).
Remove the lower engine vibration damper mount bolt (16mm).
Place the lift pad from an automotive jack under the round hole in the center of the subframe and raise the pad till it can support.
Remove the forward subframe mounting bolts (16mm).
Remove the other subframe bolts (16mm).
Lower the subframe enough to access the power steering connectors and unplug.
Continue to lower the subframe, go slowly making sure the power steering reservoir passes freely.
Roll the subframe from under the vehicle while continuing to monitor the power steering reservoir.
Install in reverse.
Torque values:
Subframe 74 ft-lb
Tie-rod ball joint 38 ft-lb
Outer ball joint to steering knuckle 41 ft-lb
Swaybar end link 41 ft-lb
Crush tube to subframe 74 ft-lb
Bumper to modular front end/crush tubes 16 ft-lb
Lower engine vibration damper 74 ft-lb
Power steering fan to pump bracket 14 ft-lb
Lower steering shaft universal joint pinch bolt 16 ft-lb
Bushing bracket to body, replace bolt, 44 ft-lb + 90 degee turn
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Thanks! This was so helpful to get our Mini back on the road after some front end damage from an accident! You ROCK!!!
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Thank Werkin Mini. They where the ones who posted this great how-to. Im glad it helped out!
http://www.werkinmini.com/
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