Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Removing and installing front left or right spring strut (Cooper Convertible)
Installation note:
- All screws, nuts, bolts and hose clamps removed during the repair must be replaced.
- Retaining elements on chassis and steering parts must be replaced.
Preliminary work needed:
- Remove front WHEEL .
Removal:
If necessary, lever off protective cap (1).
Gasket (1) is no longer installed.
Release collar screw (1), press brake pedal to floor for this purpose.
Loosen the wheel housing cover in the area of the plug connection (2).
Detach pulse sensor cable from the holders (1).
Disconnect plug connection (2).
Release brake hose (1) from holder.
Left side: Release brake wear indicator (2) from holder.
Loosen screws (3).
Set the brake caliper (4) with the brake-caliper support aside and tie it up.
Slacken nut (1).
Release anti-roll bar link (2) from spring strut.
Slacken nut (1).
Pull out screw (2).
Release wishbone (3) from swivel bearing.
Slacken nut (1).
Release tie rod (2) from swivel bearing.
Remove protective cap (1) and cover ring (2).
Secure spring strut against falling out.
If required, loosen and lift windshield panel cover (2).
Unscrew the screws (1).
Remove spring strut (1) from wheel arch.
Installation:
If installed: Remove and dispose of the gasket (1).
Clean contact surface at shock tower
Gasket (1) can also only be omitted on one side (left or right)
Guide the spring strut (1) into the wheel arch.
Align spring strut to the bores in the shock tower using the centering pins.
Part : Replace screws (1).
Tighten down screws (1).
Tightening torque 31 31 1AZ .
Fit and fasten the cover ring (2) and protective cap (1).
Join the wishbone (3) to the swivel bearing.
Part : Replace nut (2) and bolt (1).
Insert screw (2) with washer.
Attention!
The washer must lie between the screw head and the swivel bearing.
Note insertion direction of bolt (2). The screw (2) is inserted from the rear in the direction of travel.
Screw on the nut (1).
Tighten screw connection.
- Tightening is done via screw (2).
Tightening torque 31 12 1AZ .
Insert tie rod (2) into the swivel bearing.
Part : Replace nut (1).
Tighten nut (1).
Tightening torque 32 21 1AZ .
Position anti-roll bar link (2) on spring strut.
Part : Replace nut (1).
Tighten nut (1).
Tightening torque 31 35 2AZ .
Position brake caliper (4) with brake-caliper support on swivel bearing.
Part : Replace screws (3).
Tighten down screws (3).
Tightening torque 34 11 2AZ .
Secure brake hose (1) on holder.
If necessary, secure brake wear indicator (2) on holder.
Connect plug connection (2).
Attach the pulse sensor cable to the holders (1).
Fasten the wheel housing cover in the area of the plug connection (2).
- Pay attention to installation position of compression spring (2).
- Keep collar screw and spur toothing of wheel hub/output shaft clean and free of grease
Attention!
Following installation note for spur gearing must be observed without fail!
Part : Replace collar screw and compression spring.
Tighten collar screw (1) and compression spring hand force.
- Front gearing of wheel hub (1) and output shaft (2) should be installed form-fit (tooth in tooth position).
Check whether spur gearing is locked tooth in tooth by reciprocally rotating wheel hub/output shaft.
Once a form-fit has been ensured, tighten to final torque.
Tightening torque 31 60 2AZ .
Required follow-up work:
- Install front WHEEL .
NO RELATED
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.