MINI Cooper and Cooper S Fluid Filled Harmonic Vibration Dampers

A common problem we are seeing on any R52 or R53 MINI Cooper is the failure of the original Harmonic Vibration Damper (11 23 7 525 135).  Over time and use, the rubber pieces of this system separate, causing the entire pulley to buckle.  Any vehicle that suffers from this problem is completely undriveable.  Promini has a solution that eliminates this issue at an incredible savings over the original MINI vibration damper.

Promini offers an SFI-Rated FluidGel Harmonic Damper (vibration damper) available for the Mini Cooper and Cooper S. These dampers are made with an internal steel inertia ring that is surrounded by a high viscosity silicone gel. This internal inertia ring floats in a silicone gel to combat the engine harmonics at all RPM ranges. This eliminates the rubber dampening ring of the original equipment component which is the common reason of lower crank pulley failure.

These Pulleys:
- Exceed SFI Specification 18.1 Requirements  (This SFI Specification establishes uniform test procedures and minimum standards for evaluating and determining performance capabilities for
Crankshaft Hub Harmonic Dampers used by individuals engaged in competitive motorsports.)
- Accurate Crankbore for a proper pressed fit
- Easy to read engraved timing marks
- Manufactured from high grade billet carbon steel forgings
- 8.5% smaller than the standard original equipment underdrive pulley

For more information on how to replace this part, check out our tech tip!

MINI Diagnostics: Fault Code and Service Reset Tool

Ever been on a spirited drive in your MINI and had that troublesome "service engine soon" light or "check engine" light take all the fun out of your day? Your MINI Cooper is a precision built machine that constantly monitors operating systems to ensure high level performance. If there is any problem with operation, or time for a maintenance issue to be addressed, it will trigger one of these warning lights. Promini has a compact tool that can properly read and report MINI engine and service codes safely and easily. Having the ability to properly diagnose engine lights from a parking lot, garage, or roadside is a valuable asset that saves you time and gives you peace of mind.

A warning light should never be ignored and can range from anything as simple as a loose gas cap to a serious timing issue. It's never fun to go to a mechanic and pay over a hundred dollar fee to find out a technician only had to replace your radiator cap, or pay for a costly engine repair that could have been prevented by having that engine light checked sooner. Our fault code reader can quickly and easily give you an accurate reading of what your engine light is trying to tell you as it happens. Built specifically for MINI applications, our fault code reader reads and displays all MINI-factory fault codes.

Warning lights also come on to indicate routine maintenance issues such as brake component replacement and oil service. A routine MINI oil service with system reset can run anywhere from $100-$150 at a service shop, but with our service reset tool the same oil service can be performed at home for a fraction of the cost. Don't stare at that glaring service light when you know its already been taken care of. A "must have" for any at-home or independent service mechanic, this service reset tool is an inexpensive way to save time and money.

MINI Cooper Strut and Shock Installation Socket

Over time, the ride and handling of your vehicle degrades from normal wear and tear on your struts and shocks. Our local service shop regularly replaces several struts and rear shocks on R50, R52, R53 MINI Coopers from this type of wear. Routine replacement of these parts is the only way to keep your MINI at its original performance level, and is an excellent way to upgrade your suspension if you are looking for a sportier feel. MINI struts and shocks are simple to replace, but require a proper torque and tightening procedure for the lock nut to avoid damaging or breaking the delicate mounting stud.

Past practice has typically been to use a high speed impact gun to lock down shock center nuts, unfortunately spinning the internal shock components or applying an uneven weight could cause damage to the piston inside the shock.  Improper tightening of the lock nut may also result in breaking of the fragile upper shock center stud. Neither of these conditions would be covered by any manufacturers warranty.

Promini is proud to announce a new tool that makes strut and shock replacement easy and safe with no additional special tools required.  Any 1/2" drive socket wrench and appropriate allen wrench will work with our new Strut Removal Socket.  The factory upper front strut nut is typically 21mm, while most replacement struts or performance struts use a 22mm nut size.  We recommend the 2 piece kit for proper removal and installation of any replacement shock or strut on your model MINI.

21mm socket (Part Number 133128)

22mm socket (Part Number 33129)

Combination 21mm and 22mm socket kit (Part Number 33127)

We recommend replacing strut tower mounts at the time of strut replacement as they wear out with the struts.