10 replies to this topic

[Billyfurey]

Hi all - mini failed it’s mot on worn suspension bushes so decided to overhaul the front suspension and brakes. Taken off all the passenger side suspension and the damper seems a bit odd. I can push it up/ pull it out with almost no resistance. Ages since I have replaced these on a car and seem to remember them being much harder to compress before. Any thoughts? I will probably replace them anyway. Any things to watch out for - I haven’t done a mini before.

[DeadSquare]

A photo of how far you have got, would be helpful.

[unburntfuelinthemorning]

Standard Mini dampers can be a bit like that, especially when worn.  They're not that great really.  Probably good enough to pass MOT though.

 

Have you got a workshop manual to work from?  You'll avoid most mistakes if you use one.

[russo]

At a guess I'd say they definitely need replacing. Should be a lots of resistance as that is what they do, absorb shocks.

[Ethel]

If the tester didn't fail them I'd stick 'em back on and sort the bits that did. They're simple enough to replace at anytime. KYB gas adjust are good standard ones. Avoid buying unbranded rubber components off the likes of eBay. Delphi still has a good reputation. I expect others can advise on trustworthy suppliers of rubber that won't perish before your next test.

[unburntfuelinthemorning]

Springs absorb shocks. 

 

Dampers dampen spring oscillations.

[Cabriomin]

I'd be asking what they mean by 'worn suspension bushes'. Top arm? Bottom Arm?

[DeadSquare]

I'd be asking what they mean by 'worn suspension bushes'. Top arm? Bottom Arm?

 

Hang around.   You'll work it out in time, and don't be afraid to ask if you are in doubt.

[Cabriomin]

I'd be asking what they mean by 'worn suspension bushes'. Top arm? Bottom Arm?

Hang around. You'll work it out in time, and don't be afraid to ask if you are in doubt.

[Cabriomin]

Huh? I was referring to the original post that said the car failed on suspension bushes. Surely you would need more information than that from the garage to be able to fix it?

[DeadSquare]

Huh? I was referring to the original post that said the car failed on suspension bushes. Surely you would need more information than that from the garage to be able to fix it?

 

I do apologise:  I misread the meaning of your post.

 

The top arm, having needle rollers, seldom gives trouble, so it probably just means just the rubbers in the lower arm and on front of the tie bar ?.