10 replies to this topic

[pauleh1]

Hello all,

 

I've done a search however I can't seem to find the answer to my issue.

 

I have a 1988 Mini Mayfair, when I bought it came with 13x7 Superlites on 175/50/13 tyres.

 

When turning the steering wheel - not full lock more like 3/4 lock - I have very bad rubbing on the wheel arches.

 

I believe they are sportspack arches.

 

Initially I thought it might be caused by the suspension drooping so to test I've jacked it up on the front subframe but even with the wheels completely off the ground they still make contact so I've ruled that out.

 

What can I do to stop the rubbing short of changing the wheels/tyres for smaller/narrower? I'd like to keep the same wheels - excuse the kerb marks from the previous owner, will be getting them refurbed once this issue is sorted.

 

I've taken a few photos which will hopefully show where they rub.

 

Let me know if you need more info/photos.

 

Thanks,

Paul

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Edited by pauleh1, 13 August 2016 - 06:15 PM.

[Steve220]

Hi Paul,

 

The issue you have here is one of wheel width vs proper alignment of either the arch when it was fitted, or the suspension. Can you get a photo of your car side on with the wheel facing straight?

[slidehammer]

When Rover fitted 13 inch wheels they altered the shape of the front wheel arch on the wings to stop the wheel rubbing on lock. Have yours got the later wings fitted or have they been modified to prevent rubbing?. Also Rover put limiters on the steering rack to reduce full lock to prevent the wheels rubbing, again a doubt this has been done to yours as an '88 mini would be designed to work with 12" wheels. In reality 12" wheels do give superior handling and road manners over 13" wheels, it is just that fashion dictates bigger is better.

[pauleh1]

Hi Steve,

 

I see what you mean about wheel arch fitment - the wheels sit forward in the arch.

 

I can move the arches forward as there is a bit of wiggle room around the indicator on both sides but not enough movement that I think they will clear.

 

Would lengthening the tie rods push the wheels back slightly? I know it would change the overall suspension geometry.

 

As far as I can see everything suspension wise is standard except for the shocks.

 

Thanks,

Paul

 

[pauleh1]

When Rover fitted 13 inch wheels they altered the shape of the front wheel arch on the wings to stop the wheel rubbing on lock. Have yours got the later wings fitted or have they been modified to prevent rubbing?. Also Rover put limiters on the steering rack to reduce full lock to prevent the wheels rubbing, again a doubt this has been done to yours as an '88 mini would be designed to work with 12" wheels. In reality 12" wheels do give superior handling and road manners over 13" wheels, it is just that fashion dictates bigger is better.

 

Hi,

 

The wings have been trimmed slightly to prevent rubbing - I don't think the tyres are rubbing on the wings, just the front part of the arches.

 

I understand what you are saying about 12" wheels but I would prefer to keep the ones I have, mainly because I like the overall look.

 

Thanks,

Paul

[ukcooper]

https://www.minispor...imiter-kit.html

[Steve220]

Your wheels look massively forward in those pics

[pauleh1]

Your wheels look massively forward in those pics

Do you know the best way of bringing them back?

[Cooperman]

If you really want to stick with the 13" wheels with the very wide tyres you could try the following:

 

Buy a set of adjustable length tie bars.

Set the wheel positions slightly further back and then get the caster measured. It needs to be a minimum of 2.75 Degrees and a maximum of 4 degrees and moving the wheel centres back will decrease the caster. That will not help the 'feel' and handling, but with 13" wheels it is a compromise anyway.

If that does not cure the rubbing, which it may well not, you will need to remove the arch extensions and cut/re-shape the wheel arch lip until it does. Then re-fit the arch extensions and check the clearance again. Remember to check at full lock and full 'bump' positions as that is when rubbing will be at the worst.

You may also find that the inner edges of the tyres scrape on the inner wings and later cars had steering locks on the rack to reduce maximum lock.

175 section tyres are not ideal on earlier cars as there are these issues with clearance. It is not the overall diameter of the tyres, as this is virtually the same with 175/50 x 13 and 165/70 x 10, but the extra width is the issue.

Raising the ride height a bit will also help and for this Hi-Lo's are useful.

Edited by Cooperman, 13 August 2016 - 09:10 PM.

[pauleh1]

Thank you all for your advice and for pointing me in the right direction.

 

Would 10x6 wheels have the same issue?

 

The cost of refurbishing these + new tyres would be more than a 10x6 wheel + tyre package from Minispares.

 

Thanks,

Paul

[dyshipfakta]

Thank you all for your advice and for pointing me in the right direction.
 
Would 10x6 wheels have the same issue?
 
The cost of refurbishing these + new tyres would be more than a 10x6 wheel + tyre package from Minispares.
 
Thanks,
Paul

10x6s would be much better but you would need new front brakes too. Yours will be too big.