Suspension arm bushes.

[DarkMatter]

Today my wife took her Mini One to a Mini main dealer for an MOT. It failed due to "nearside and offside inner front suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement". The car has done 65k miles.

The cost of the new bushes is £32.81 inc. VAT and the dealer quoted £300 all inclusive to replace the parts.

I've had a look at the bushes but they do not appear to be falling apart and I could only induce some movement by leavering the suspension arms with a crow bar.

My question is: Has anyone else had this problem with their Mini, is it a common problem with Minis?

[Byff]

I don't know if it's a problem or not, but I would want a second opinion. Try taking it to another MOT garage and get a test done, see if that tester highlights the problem.

[blackspider]

The bushes can be replaced in 30 minutes-I work for a stealer!!!I would go else where
Bushes cant fail for excessive play unless they cause the vehicle to be unsafe to drive-which they wont-never had one that bad.assuming they are the front lower arm rear bushes
Or all the rubber has gone..you can get a second opinion from VOSA

Edited by blackspider on Friday 1st December 15:15

[DarkMatter]

Thanks for your comments Byff and blackspider.

I took the car to another garage for a second opinion - unfortunately they too consider that there is excessive play in the front lower wishbone rear bush

[DarkMatter]

A further update...

I booked the car in with another BMW/Mini dealer to have the bushes replaced. They reported that the bushes were normal and did NOT have excessive play and therefore did not require replacement - I'm pleased that I've been saved some unnecessary expense and definitely will not be going back to the first garage again!

[blackspider]

Thought that would be the case...money pinchers