Question on Control Arm Bushing and ball joint Replacement

I have a 2003 mini cooper s. We are trying to get the control arm into the bushing and are having so many issues. It is below freezing outside and I think the rubber is supper hard making it harder to get in. Do you have any suggestions. This job has been a nightmare and we are almost done. This is the last obstacle to get over. Please.

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This post was auto-generated based upon a question asked on our tech article page here: Pelican Technical Article: MINI Cooper - Control Arm Bushing and Ball Joint Replacement

[Nick at Pelican Parts]

Try lubricating it with dish soap.

- Nick

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

That should work as a lube, as should glycerin. Which you can find at the drug store. You can soften the rubber by dunking it in simmering water for a couple of minutes as well, but if the weather is really cold out you will have to hurry to get it installed before it cools off too much. I know of people using camp stoves in their garage to heat water for making bushings pliable. (Make sure your garage is well-vented if you try this!!)

--DD