7 replies to this topic

[Avl_Paul]

Now that this car is approaching 25 years of age (hard to believe that I've owned it for nearly half that time), I'm going through it and replacing a lot of wear components, old sensors, etc.   The drivers side rear radius swing arm has excessive play so it is dtime for that . As long as I'm  there, I guess I should consider what else to replace in the suspension.   It rides pretty hard in my opinion as do all Minis but I suspect it has grown worse as the rubber hardens over time.   What would you recommend replacing on the suspension?  Rubber cones front and back?  Shock absorbers too?  

 

Thanks,

Paul

[Cooperman]

At 25 years old it is probably time for a suspension re-build.

The best options would be new OE specification rubber cones (from Mini Spares as theirs are true OE spec), new knuckle joints and cups and replacement dampers.

 

You will need to remove the rear radius arms and re-bush them, or simply buy exchange items.

 

Whilst doing this you can easily remove the front hubs and fit new ball joints and possibly new wheel bearings . I was doing exactly that yesterday on my 1990 Cooper rally car. Also fit new tie bar rubbers and lower arm inner bushes. Also check/replace the track rod ends. 

 

Once you have done all this you will be amazed at how well the car drives, steers, and performs.

 

If your front sub-frame is rubber mounted I advise fitting a solid mounting kit as well.

[unburntfuelinthemorning]

Hang on to the old sensors if they were still working, you may need them in the future.

[Avl_Paul]

Thanks Cooperman - this is the kind of response that makes these forums SO valuable.  That's exactly the input I was looking for.

[Magneto]

I'd consider the Mounton Smooth a Rides from MIniSport too,, I've installed a few sets of them and the difference in ride quality is remarkable!

[maccers]

Whats the reasonable expected life of the rubber cones? I done all the front and rear suspension as above (plus fitted front and rear adjustable camber) had it all set up by a guy in Northampton (not sure he is available these days). Think this was done around 6 years ago. Majority of the bits were from Mini Spares, others from KAD.

[unburntfuelinthemorning]

I've heard 20,000 miles but I don't know where I heard that.

[MiniMadRacer]

Courtesy of MiniSpares

 

These might need replacing every 6-8 years depending on use and climate, but
are usually good for at least 20,000 miles in the UK.
The Original factory Dunlop type only lasted about 40 or
so laps racing before they went off because of the heat worked through
the rubber known as hysteresis where it stops returning to its
original shape and consistency as described on Moultons patent sheets.
Anything without "patent number 763432" is not genuine, so check
the cones being taken off so the mistake is not made again.Measured at the
wheel,the spring rates at the static load position are 118 lb/in at
the front and 98 lb/in at the rear.
With three passengers and 50 lb of luggage,
the loads per wheel at the same position are
respectively 468 lb and 355 lb.The loads rise to 1,050 lb and 670 lb at full bump and fall to 240 lb and 100 lb when the rebound check is in operation.