How to Replace Rear Shocks 2007-14 Mini Cooper

1. For the driver and passenger side, complete each step in tandem

   step 1 :Removing the Wheel 0:24

   • Pry off the center cap with a flat blade screwdriver
   • Loosen the 17mm lug nuts with the vehicle on the ground
   • Raise the vehicle with a floor jack
   • Secure the vehicle on jack stands
   • Remove the lug nuts
   • Pull off the wheel

2. step 2 :Removing the Rear Strut 1:10

   • Loosen the top bolts evenly with a 13mm socket and ratchet
   • Remove the top bolts
   • Remove the ABS sensor wire and brake hose from the strut bracket
   • Loosen the lower strut bolt with an 18mm socket and 1/2 inch breaker bar
   • Remove the lower strut bolt with an 18mm socket and ratchet
   • Remove the strut
   • Remove the protective rubber from the strut with a trim tool

3. step 3 :Installing the Rear Strut 4:29

   • Press the protective rubber to the strut
   • Insert the strut into place
   • Start the lower bolt by hand
   • Start the upper bolts up by hand
   • Tighten the lower strut bolt with an 18mm socket and ratchet
   • Torque the lower strut bolt to 121 foot-pounds
   • Tighten the two upper strut bolts with a 13mm socket and ratchet
   • Torque the upper strut bolts to 41 foot-pounds

4. step 4 :Reattaching the Wheel 7:30

   • Slide the wheel into place
   • Start the lug nuts by hand
   • Tighten the 17mm lug nuts preliminarily
   • Lower the vehicle to the ground
   • Tighten the lug nuts to 90 foot-pounds in a crossing or star pattern
   • Reattach the center cap

Tools needed

• 13mm Socket

  Flat Blade Screwdriver

  Torque Wrench

  Rust Penetrant

  17mm Socket

  Jack Stands

  18mm Socket

  Ratchet

  Floor Jack

  Trim Tool Set

  1/2 Inch Breaker Bar