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 Posted: Jul 31, 2017 02:26PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by malsal
Wouldn't a strut brace linking both sides be a good option along with the lower plates.
If the strut brace brackets are designed to be a strut reinforcement plate like this product, then yes, the under strut plate would be a good additional insurance. 

However, almost all strut brace brackets are designed to hold the strut brace and are not designed as a strut tower reinforcement plate to prevent mushrooming.  You can see this by the coverage of the top surface of the strut tower by the strut brace bracket and the thickness of the material.  

 Posted: Jul 31, 2017 11:45AM
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Wouldn't a strut brace linking both sides be a good option along with the lower plates.

If in doubt, flat out. Colin Mc Rae MBE 1968-2007.

Give a car more power and it goes faster on the straights,
make a car lighter and it's faster everywhere. Colin Chapman.

 Posted: Jul 31, 2017 07:05AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Stin
How did you know when you had hammered it back into its proper shape? is there a way of telling it is the right shape?
You have to 'eyeball' to see that the top surface of the strut tower is 'flat'.  

The strut reinforcement plates mount on the top side of the strut tower.  The 'under strut' plates are designed to provide additional strength to the top side plates - they are NOT designed to work without the top plates.  Yes, the under strut plates will move the strut down and raise the ride height, but its only about 1/8" - the thickness of the underside plates.

 Posted: Jul 29, 2017 10:05AM
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How did you know when you had hammered it back into its proper shape? is there a way of telling it is the right shape?

 Posted: Jul 29, 2017 09:54AM
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I undid the bolts on the ST tops. Jacked the front end up and then flattened the ST tops with a block of hardwood and a5 lb sledge.

I then installed the thick alloy ST caps and bolted it all back together

Job done. 2006 MCS

 Posted: Jul 28, 2017 06:04PM
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I have a 2003 Mini R53. The front struts are mushrooming slightly and I was told the upper front mounts were shot.
I was hoping to get some advice on the best way to repair it.

I have a few questions..

1) should I go with the under support plate or the one that goes on top?.. why
2) Does the under support plate raising the front end? and or strengthen the upper mount?
3) I see the upper strut mounts for a wide range of prices... there are some on amazon for cheap.. Which is the best bang for my buck? 
4) when using a 2x4 to reshape the mushroomed area.. how do I know when it is back to the factory shape? 

Any help would be awesome.. I have watched several youtube videos but none have answered these questions