Changing tower bolts and dampers
Turbo Mini Forums

Please could someone tell me what size socket i will need to remove the front subframe tower bolts? Also, might sound a stupid question, im replacing the front dampers and damper brackets but am not sure how to do it. Can i remove the old ones with the car on the ground or does it need to be raised off the ground? Just dont want to dammage the car! Thanks

feature=mhum

hi, the tower bolts are 33mm and i would say do it with the car raised!

ben

You can change the dampers with the car on the ground or raised, but it is easier to do with the wheels off so on balance off the ground is better, imo.

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brilliant! Thanks guys. Will get it sorted tomorrow!

feature=mhum

The tower bolts are 1.5/16" AF - they are not metric.
If you choose to use the wrong tools then 33mm will prove a little tight, 34mm would be too loose but probably work. (1.5/16" = 33.3375mm).

As Ben says - you'll really need to remove the wheel to do anything with the dampers so you don't have much choice.
Depending on what dampers you have will depend whether they have any force in them - KYB will tend to push themselves open due to the gas pressure.

Mate i got the tool for it if you are okay to.waot untill thurs i can give yoi a hand as well

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Last time I changed my front dampers I did it with the car on the ground and just turned the wheels out.

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But he's doing the mounts too which makes it a bit trickier - may still be possible but for the sake of a jack and four wheel nuts I'd rather have the access.

spray the top mount bolts with penetrating oil asap - save having to deal with sheared bolts when you get round to the job