9 replies to this topic

[octagonalpaul]

thanks to the camber and lowness at the front end of my mini, its getting through tyres too quickly for my liking. They are wearing out the inside over a few months. Whats the best way to get the camber sorted out, and to stop the tyres wearing un evenly? I know I like the look of the camber, but its too expensive to be worth it! I'd like to keep the front at the same level too, if possible. Its a 1988 City E, 13x7 wheels and spax suspension, heres a picture if it helps:



any help greatly appreciated

[Bungle]

have you had the camber, castor and tracking set up with your existing set up ?

[GraemeC]

Lowering a car decreses camber (ie gives more negative camber - wheel in at top and out at bottom).
The solution is either to measure the camber you have and then get bottom arms that correct this to where it should be, or get adjustable bottom arms.
By adjusting the camber you will also change the caster which adjustable tie bars will solve.

Icklemini on here is a dab hand at setting all this stuff up properly.

[octagonalpaul]

have you had the camber, castor and tracking set up with your existing set up ?

no, what would be my best option for doing that? (Is it difficult to do?)

The solution is either to measure the camber you have and then get bottom arms that correct this to where it should be, or get adjustable bottom arms.

Would the adjustable arms correct the angle? The only ones I've seen say negative camber adjustable arms, but I need some to make it more positive; or is that just a name and can still be adjusted for more positive?

hope that makes sense

[Bungle]

getting a full 4 wheel alignment done will tell you what you have before you buy stuff to change it to what you want

[GraemeC]

Adjustable arms will give less negative camber, yes. Negative camber arms (usually available in various degree settings) will not.

I can see what Bungle is driving at but as you know it is wrong I see little point in getting alignment done - with the standard arms and tie bars the only thing they can adjust is the tracking (apart from raising the car back to where is should be).

If the car is that low, is it not sat on the bump stops? If so this is a very dangerous way to set the suspension and could result in poor handling when you least need it or expect it.

[Bungle]

but something like bent tie rods would effect camber, tracking and caster

you need to know what you have got before you can put it right

[octagonalpaul]

If the car is that low, is it not sat on the bump stops? If so this is a very dangerous way to set the suspension and could result in poor handling when you least need it or expect it.

Theres about an inch of space between the arm and the bump stops, is that too low?
thanks for the help so far everyone I think I'll take it to get looked at, to be on the safe side before buying the bits!

[GraemeC]

NO an inch is fine. Kust looks lower - especially with that camber. I wonder if someone has previously added negative camber arms?

[icklemini]

Car does look very low ... there isnt an inch of clearance between the arm and bump stop as standard.. so i would suspect the bump stop has been removed (very dangerous!)

nothing that is bent would give that amount of camber on both sides - it must have been lowered to the max, or negative camber bottom arms fitted.

before spending money on any alignment work - check for damage...

kwik fit places are generally pretty poor and suspension work (not that i am touting for business )

QUOTE (Bungle @ Nov 17 2008, 05:51 PM)
have you had the camber, castor and tracking set up with your existing set up ?


no, what would be my best option for doing that? (Is it difficult to do?)

Book me in

QUOTE (GraemeC @ Nov 17 2008, 05:55 PM)
The solution is either to measure the camber you have and then get bottom arms that correct this to where it should be, or get adjustable bottom arms.


Would the adjustable arms correct the angle? The only ones I've seen say negative camber adjustable arms, but I need some to make it more positive; or is that just a name and can still be adjusted for more positive?

Yes - depending up on make... i prefer the minispares ones...

but something like bent tie rods would effect camber, tracking and caster

A bent tie rod - would shorten its length.. shorter increases castor and adds + camber...

You need to get under there and have a look - *something* isnt right...

ttfn,
Dave