8 replies to this topic

[nathansminis]

Hi all,

need to get my front subframe back in the car, but have to compress the cones in order to finish fitting the suspension.

im too cheap to buy the special tool at the moment, and neither of my cards work so i cant get money.

so armed with the £26 in my wallet, im going to make one (spending £20 on petrol in the process)

where can i get a threaded bar/long enough bolt in M14 size? B&Q and the like only go up to M12.

anyone have any ideas? on half term so cant run into college and knock one up on the lathe until next week either and id like the shell to be rolling by the end of the week if i can.

help appreciated. cheers!

[998dave]

ebay!

It's not that difficult, but one thing to remember, (which I didn't), is make sure the tube you use, and the studding are long enough to clear the wings so you can get a half-turn with a spanner, rather then only quarter turn!!!

Also, you want a pair of washers, and oil the thread before you use it, and oil the washers and put them at the top to allow the nut you're using to draw the studding up spin freely.

Dave

[spikey]

Cant you pass the £26 to someone to pay by card for you? They're only about that delivered anyway?

[mini1976]

Couldnt you just borrow one from another mini forum member? Maybe buy them a beer with some of the cash to say thanks?

[Sherlock]

You need to go to a good engineering equipment supplier, we have one here called Paskins, I'm not sure whether they are a nationwide chain, might be worth a look in Yellow Pages. (cheaper than B&Q as well!)

[tommy13]

With the front subframe out it is easy to remove the pivot pin for the upper suspension arm and remove / reassemble cones etc then replace the pivot pin, all without a cone compressing tool. It makes it easier if you remove the small rubber stop from under the upper arm. You may need to wait until you have the frame back in the car to put the rubber stop back in when you can use the weight of the car to compress the suspension.

[nathansminis]

cheers for ideas everyone.

turns out damien (widerim_pickup) sorted me out with one he had in the garage for some beer monies!!

all sorted now, but thanks again for input.

[captainjack15]

Alls well that ends well


Hmm now I need one!!

[smoggy_clubman]

I did mine in situ by just removing the bottom arm??