29 replies to this topic

[Tobyrm1]

Hi,

I had play in the top arm of the mini. I’ve rebuilt it using a new kit. I have less play but there is still more than the other side that has none. I have still got a slight knocking noise too.

Is it likely I’ve got a poor quality rebuild kit or is there something in the arm that wears?

Don’t know whether to try another kit or replace the arm.

Thanks

[cian]

Are you sure the play is in the arm?

I do fully refurbished top arms £40 per arm

[nicklouse]

you need to work out where the play is. then you may have a chance of sorting it.  it is rather hard for a kit to be bad as there is not much to them. i would say you may have not fitted something or fitted it in the wrong place.  or you have a worn subframe.

[Tobyrm1]

Play is 100% in the arm. With the balljoint split, shock absorber off and the cone compressed you can feel a bit of side to side movement.

[nicklouse]

Play is 100% in the arm. With the balljoint split, shock absorber off and the cone compressed you can feel a bit of side to side movement.

ok side to side. you will need to check that the axle length is the same as the top arm length. your top arm may have not been greased as much as it should and could have worn down both the old axle and the arm meaning the new one is too long. a new arm might be an idea. but measure first,

[Tobyrm1]

Play is 100% in the arm. With the balljoint split, shock absorber off and the cone compressed you can feel a bit of side to side movement.

ok side to side. you will need to check that the axle length is the same as the top arm length. your top arm may have not been greased as much as it should and could have worn down both the old axle and the arm meaning the new one is too long. a new arm might be an idea. but measure first,

Good point. Thanks for this. I’ll get it all apart again and have a measure.

[Spider]

It could also be that there's some wear in the thrust faces of the Arm.

[pete l]

The MG TF, which uses the same setup as the mini, came out of the factory with play in the top arms.

 

We had 3 of them, all with play. New kits were tried under waranty, still play in them.

 

I was going to try a kit from minispares, as they say they are made to original specs.

 

http://minispares.co...px|Back to shop

[Tobyrm1]

So I have got the arm off. The shaft measures 115.25mm and the arm length is 114mm.

I also got a new arm and rebuild kit from minispares. The shaft on this measures 114.59mm and the arm 114.27mm

Am I right in thinking that I need to turn a bit off the shaft so the length is slightly less than the arm length to take up the play?

Thanks

[nicklouse]

So I have got the arm off. The shaft measures 115.25mm and the arm length is 114mm.

I also got a new arm and rebuild kit from minispares. The shaft on this measures 114.59mm and the arm 114.27mm

Am I right in thinking that I need to turn a bit off the shaft so the length is slightly less than the arm length to take up the play?

Thanks

as the grooved washers have tapered holes you should be fine.

[Tobyrm1]

So I have got the arm off. The shaft measures 115.25mm and the arm length is 114mm.

I also got a new arm and rebuild kit from minispares. The shaft on this measures 114.59mm and the arm 114.27mm

Am I right in thinking that I need to turn a bit off the shaft so the length is slightly less than the arm length to take up the play?

Thanks

as the grooved washers have tapered holes you should be fine.

If I push it all up together on the bench the faces of the grooved washers don’t meet the faces of the arm.

[nicklouse]

ok then you do need to do something. remember the surface is hardened.

[Tobyrm1]

ok then you do need to do something. remember the surface is hardened.

Have to try and turn it down. Hopefully it will solve the problem.

[GraemeC]

For 0.32mm (0.16mm each side) I would run with it, much less clearance and there’ll be no space for grease between the thrust faces and the arm will bind.

[Tobyrm1]

For 0.32mm (0.16mm each side) I would run with it, much less clearance and there’ll be no space for grease between the thrust faces and the arm will bind.

I am still getting lots of play though. When done up and moved from side to side it clunks loudly.