61 replies to this topic

[DTXDave]

another point the cones i took out before were very worn so could they have damaged the tower in the subframe ?

At a guess I'd say that it would probably be very hard to damage the subframe tower. Maybe excessive and incorrect use of the compression tool could do some damage, but I think you'd notice.

When I first changed my front suspension I recall having to push the new cone up into the tower with one hand while trying to get the compression tool thread into place with the other. The fiddly bit was getting the back-end of the cone sat right in the tower as I was worried that I'd bend the metal seat.

Re-reading the thread above, you had new cones and dampers fitted a month ago but you had the same problem before, so I'd look at the knuckle joints first as Boycie suggested earlier and see how bad the drivers side is compared to the passenger's.

DTXDave

[gonzoavfc]

i think thats what im gonna have to do mate, thanks for your help

will let you know if i sort it.

[DTXDave]

Reading the following on the Mini Spares web site:

"..If your suspension has dropped suddenly, or you have loud squeeking noise during suspension movement, then these knuckles are one of the first things you should check. If left unchecked, the knuckle can wear through the nylon cup, into the suspension arm, and ruin the casting that supports the knuckle joint.."

Knuckle Joint - Mini Spares.

[gonzoavfc]

just looking on minispares and the knuckle joint here says that you cant fit it to any cars after '90 because later ones have a spacer, i have a 92 and have no idea what this spacer is and cant find the one with a spacer on the minispares site, any ideas guys.

[Boycie]

Try this one! http://www.minispare...itle=SUSPENSION KNUCKLE FRONT ...

[gonzoavfc]

thank you very much for you help guys.

will get it ordered now ready for the weekend, i was hoping on not seeing the compression tool for a long time

[DTXDave]

thank you very much for you help guys.

will get it ordered now ready for the weekend, i was hoping on not seeing the compression tool for a long time

I know how you feel. Hopefully all will be sorted though.


DTXDave

[gonzoavfc]

well atleast i only have to take the trumpet out so i wont have to take the whole bloody thing apart again.

[Boycie]

Yeah, just think, you'll be really quick at doing it soon!

When you've killed the original knuckle-joint cup (to get it out of the top arm), look inside at where the cup sits. If it looks very obviously worn you can 'repair' this with some body filler or similar. Then fit the nylon cup as usual. If major wear is left, the knuckle can punch through the cup and lower the car again after a short time!
You should be ok though as when the knuckle is wearing the top arm, you get all sorts of unusual noises.

[gonzoavfc]

i hope its not worn, didnt hear any noises so fingers crossed.

[wombat_mini]

I replaced the knuckle joints along with my cones and dampers recently, all were pretty much FUBAR'd on my MPI covering 70k miles.

Just a couple of stupid obvious points:

1) Your struts, no-one's shortened them a bit, and done it badly (ie unevenly) have they?
2) Have you driven the car around to settle it all down?

I put in genuine cones, used the (much more expensive) MPI spacer'd knuckle joints, and put on the uprated 20% Kayaba Gas shocks.

However, it sits a lot higher up than yours does, when looking at the gap between the wheel and the arch!

[gonzoavfc]

i've ordered a new knuckle joint now so that should be in saturday and all should be good, and if the other side is abit low will replace that one aswell.

[gonzoavfc]

right guys knuckle joint replaced the car was really high and i thought great, then once i got going i heard the dreaded wheel rub on the driversside, got out to look and it had dropped back down to where it was before.

upon reflection the knuckle joint i took out had a little bit of wear but the nylon cup was intact. everytime i jack the car up it goes up to wear it should be as soon as i lower it but once i drive it, it drops down, which makes me think the cone on that side is faulty.

would u agree guys?

cheers

[DTXDave]

Looks like you are going to have to inspect the cone.

DTXDave

[gonzoavfc]

i actually hope its the cone now because if its not im gonna burn the car out! lol its getting to me sorry.

i would never do that to my baby