7 replies to this topic

[Staxxman]

I've been told by a mechanic that it's best to avoid a Mini with a wet suspension. I'm sure there are different opinions on that, but my question is, what years/model have a wet suspension, and what years/model have dry?

cheers

[rick.spi]

dry handles better, but i think wet smoothes out the bumps alot better, but surely you want a mini for corners?

wet isnt as reliable as well, lots of things to break.

[GreaseMonkey]

"Wet" also known as Hydrolastic is what you would find on some original 60s minis, not every mini from the 60s was on wet though

[Staxxman]

"Wet" also known as Hydrolastic is what you would find on some original 60s minis, not every mini from the 60s was on wet though

Was it just the 60's then that had wet?

[benb12]

1964 to 1969 I think, it was the mark 2s.

[62S]

Hydrolastic was introduced in September 1964 on Mini saloons - Vans, Estates, Pick-ups were always dry.

For most saloons hydro was discontinued October 1969 when Mk 2 production ceased except for the Clubman, 1275 GT and Cooper S. It was finally deleted late June/early July 1971.

It is much more comfortable than rubber suspension and doesn't give that many problems.

[Staxxman]

Cheers, very helpful. I was just told that if they do go wrong, it's a big job to fix them.

[62S]

If it does go wrong, it depends on the fault - the passenger side front displacer is a pain to replace as the union is behind the radiator/engine. The front to back pipes are also awkward as you really need to drop both subframes but if you've got a hydro car and the suspension is up I certainly would swop it to dry.

Parts are not hard to find except genuine Cooper S displacers - and one of those sold on eBay the other week for £15!

Handling wise, if you have competition bumpstops all round and shockers on the front then its as good as a dry set up but more comfortable.