9 replies to this topic

[kopi]

Hi guys

When I look at my mini up front, it seems that the wheels are slightly bent inwards. I've attached a couple of pictures to describe what i mean.

A local mini workshop i go to tells me that its "normal" and that the mini's weight will sit in on the wheel and the alignment will gradually correct itself. I'm not so convinced.

It seems as tho the ride height's too high. Anyone else has an idea on what could be the problem. This bugs me because each time i take the corner, i feel very uncomfortable ... like I'm always wondering if there's too much stress and the wheels are gonna buckle.

Thanks!

Attached Files

•  DSC00082.JPG   161.32K   98 downloads
•  DSC00081.JPG   149.41K   90 downloads
•  DSC00083.JPG   173.23K   55 downloads

[edi57]

I'll take a look at my mini tomorrow, see how it compares to your pics.

I notice you have some uprated dampers fitted...perhaps you also have Hi-Lo's fitted enabling you to adjust the height of your mini.

If it does, then they may just need lowering to suit your taste in ride height.

Ed

[minidaves]

ride height looks good to me however something dont look right in the pics in regard to wheel angles, looks like something is not as it should be, or poor photos.

does it handle funny?


dave

[kopi]

Almost anyone I ask said that the wheels look slightly weird. The wheels aren't perfectly perpendicular to the ground. Handling wise, I can only compare to 1 other mini i've driven which is a '71 with 10" wheels (mine has 12"). I must say the 10" corners much better and is more stable on uneven roads.

At this point i'm not even sure if the ride height is the problem, wouldn't want to adjust that yet. But the car came completely stock, so I'm guessing no adjustables?

I'll try to get better pictures. Thanks for the responses so far.

[gregh55]

looks like positive camber

[ZED]

I have had ew susspension on the back and my car came back heigher. I can gat 2 fingers between the front wheen and the arch and 3 fingers between the back wheen and the arch. I don't know if this is helpful

Z

[Guess-Works.com]

Minis, as standard have +ve camber on the rear, but varies due to manufacturing tolerances, can be anywhere between +0.5 degrees and +2.5 degrees... Suspension travel or ride height has no effect on this as the camber and toe is determined by the radius arm pin which is connected to the subframe... and this is a fixed (non adjustable as standard) connection.

You can buy adjustable brackets which can correct these manufacturing tolerances, my preference is to use the uni-way adjustable camber brackets and then use shims between the bracket and subframe to correct/alter toe.

Edited by GuessWorks.co.uk, 04 January 2009 - 08:49 AM.

[Dan]

The wheels aren't perfectly perpendicular to the ground.

They aren't meant to be, as GW says above the Mini has positive camber at the rear. Your local Mini workshop is wrong, as GW also says the rear camber is fixed and does not alter with ride height or settlement like it does at the front. The camber on yours does look a little extreme though, you could get it measured at a suspension specialist. The ride height looks a little high but not too far off, does it have new springs?

I must say the 10" corners much better and is more stable on uneven roads.

Yup, Minis work best with 10s.

[icklemini]

adjustable brackets can be used to good effect to setup the rear..

i have setup countless suspensions and have never experienced the adjustments slipping once set. (including Rallycross, Rally and Circuit use). I have however seen the brackets break at the welds, the exception here is the KAD supplied brackets that are really the best... they fit properly and not seen one break.

I would recommend Minispares geometry pack: http://www.minispare...mp;tc=1#submenu

once fitted and setup: it makes quite a difference to the car..

HTH,
Dave

Edited by icklemini, 04 January 2009 - 01:22 PM.

[kopi]

Thanks everyone. Guess I'll need to visit another mini workshop ...

If its a bent radius arm, you guys reckon it'll be an easy replamcement job?