12 replies to this topic

[JohnGordon]

Ok so if anyone can shed a bit of light on this problem it would be appreciated.

My tyres seem to be catching on the plastic arches when I turn about 3/4's of a full turn of the steering wheel either way, I've had complete new suspension and it's been a good month and a bit and done a few hundred miles so I'm positive that everything has now settled.

I'm running 12x5's with 165/60 yoko's I would consider lifting the suspension but it's already sat quite high compared to a lot of other mini's. Would fitting a lower profile tyre help with this or am I going to be cutting out the arches?

If anyone can help as this is starting to really annoy me and I fear I'm going to lose a tyre or arch at some point

[burnerking]

I cut out the arches so there was more clearance. Quite easy to do, just be careful.

It's a horrible sound too when the wheel scrapes against the arch.

[JohnGordon]

I cut out the arches so there was more clearance. Quite easy to do, just be careful.

It's a horrible sound too when the wheel scrapes against the arch.

I couldn't agree more, looks like I'll be putting the dremel to use then

[mrsam]

I had this problem, with a set of wood and picketts i brought i got 12X6 minitlites went to fit them and scrape..

so im in the process of buying ajustarides and cutting some body work and group four arches.


thanks

[JohnGordon]

I had this problem, with a set of wood and picketts i brought i got 12X6 minitlites went to fit them and scrape..

so im in the process of buying ajustarides and cutting some body work and group four arches.


thanks

well i have got hi-lo's but i don't want to raise the car any more if i can help it!

[Guess-Works.com]

did you fit adjustable tie rods on the car ?

a 12x5 wheel should not catch the arches, std mini wheels are only 12x4.5

Unless of course they have a large offset..

[kooky]

Hi
Just before you start hacking away precious good steel, have another look at your set up.
I am running the exact same set up as yourself 12x5 wheels and 165/60 yoko's, and i have plenty of clearance with standard uncut arches.
For a start have a look at your wheel position within the arch, are they sitting central ? or are they sitting slightly fwd in the arch ?

If they are sitting towards the front of the arch you may find your Tie Rods are adjusted wrong or are bent, if they are original skinny ones they will more than likely be bent. If they are adjustable ones they may need re-adjusting to the rear/extending
I would recomend getting some of the chunkier adjustable ones.

If they are bent your wheel will sit nearer the front of the arch and hence the tyre will rub on the arch at about 3/4 lock.
Another reason may be the tie rod bushes, check the bushes are in good condition especially the rear set, get some original rubber ones they are very cheap from most mini specialists, dont bother with the solid duflex types as they get squashed and never regain there original shape.

Just though it was worth mentioning before you start chopping.

[JohnGordon]

did you fit adjustable tie rods on the car ?

a 12x5 wheel should not catch the arches, std mini wheels are only 12x4.5

Unless of course they have a large offset..

No, the tie rods are one of the very few parts that didn't get changed.


kooky - Thanks I may need to get some adjustables then, as far as i know nothing was bent i think i would have noticed when it was all in bits (i hope).
I will have to check it all as i think from what you are saying that the wheels may be positioned a little too far forward thus causing the problem.

[Juju]

I have 5X12 with W&P arches (offset).
Not only did we have to cut some arch away, but we then had to fit adjustarides all round as I found that hurtling round a corner down a hill & over a pothole at the same time was enough to bring the 165/60 yokos in contact with the N/S arch & rip it out of the wing.


EDIT - in my sig below is how close the tyre was to the arch before adjustarides.

Edited by Juju, 13 October 2008 - 03:22 PM.

[JohnGordon]

I have 5X12 with W&P arches (offset).
Not only did we have to cut some arch away, but we then had to fit adjustarides all round as I found that hurtling round a corner down a hill & over a pothole at the same time was enough to bring the 165/60 yokos in contact with the N/S arch & rip it out of the wing.


EDIT - in my sig below is how close the tyre was to the arch before adjustarides.

Well I have got adjustaride jobbies but they don't sit as close as your do juju and still catch, I can see this becoming one of those ongoing problems

[smileytony]

Also KAD do a kit to limit the rack turning circle. I've fitted one because I'm using 13" wheels. If you can put up with having a reduced turning circle it might help you!

KAD Steering Limited

[Juju]

Also KAD do a kit to limit the rack turning circle. I've fitted one because I'm using 13" wheels. If you can put up with having a reduced turning circle it might help you!

KAD Steering Limited

Just driving it in a straight line is also an option.

[JohnGordon]

Also KAD do a kit to limit the rack turning circle. I've fitted one because I'm using 13" wheels. If you can put up with having a reduced turning circle it might help you!

KAD Steering Limited

Just driving it in a straight line is also an option.

oh what ever happened to those great roman roads eh?