12 replies to this topic

[buffalox]

Model: Mayfair 1.3 SPI
Year: 1995
Description of problem (please be as in depth as possible):

I made the mistake of posting in someone else's topic rather than starting my own which led to all manner of confusion!

My 5" wide wheels do not clear the wheel arch at the front on the drivers side, whereas if it sat in the middle of the arch (as the other side does), it would clear it easily.

I have already replaced the entire front suspension (suspension cones are new, trumpets are new, knuckle joints are new) in an attempt to fix the problem. The ride height is fine, I've tried adjusting it anyway due to the cones settling (the trumpets are adjustable), it's just that the front O/S wheel is still further forward in the wheel arch than the N/S wheel.

As a further attempt to push the wheel back, I put two slim spacers on the tie rod (and replaced it for good measure). I was concerned about the effect that changing tie bar length would have (or putting in adjustable tie rods), but can't think of anything else to do!

Any non-standard parts that might be involved with the problem?

5" wheels (upgraded from 4.5")

Edited by buffalox, 17 February 2010 - 09:49 AM.

[Guess-Works.com]

First thing I would look at is your tie bars, make sure it's not bent...

[jaydee]

Dont mess with spacers on tie rods...
Probaly tie bars are bent or bushes are shot, does the car pull to one side?
And dont take the arch as a reference to estabilish if wheels are not inline..go to a garage with laser instruments and check it.
At least when you-re sure theres something wrong, you can check also if the front subframe teardops have shims only on one side, fitting adjustable tie bars and shimming the teadrops will restore any imperfection.

[buffalox]

Original Tie bar was slightly bent, suggesting some sort of impact/damage which might also have manifested itself somewhere else I guess...

Some new ideas to look at, will avoid adjustable tie bars for the moment! Front subframe bushes are my next item to replace! Teardrops would be next on the list. It'll be brand new by the time I'm finished...

Would any old garage have laser instruments or should I call up a few and ask for a certain laser system name? Or will they know what I'm on about?

Cheers!

[jaydee]

icklemini on here does tracking, ask him if he can help you to sort it out.

[mk3 Cooper S]

Has the front end been replaced?

[buffalox]

Has the front end been replaced?

Not that I'm aware of - only a '95 and I have most of the history.

[icklemini]

Tie-Rods set the caster angle, you cant really use them to make the wheel sit better in the wheelarch! (unless by setting/sorting the caster angle it puts the wheels back.)

The problem you have could be down to:
Badly fitting front end panel work
Bent subframe
Subframe twisted in the bodyshell

Really need to take a look at it to see where the problem sits..

Cheers,
Dave

[mk3 Cooper S]

Has the front end been replaced?

Not that I'm aware of - only a '95 and I have most of the history.

"Only a 95" certainly is not consistant with not having a front end replacement.

Unfortunatley mini's can rot badly and can obviously be subject to accident damage.

I agree with Iklemini's analagy of potential issues.

[buffalox]

Sounds like icklemini is the man to sort the problem!

Will be in Milton Keynes with the Mini at some point so could come over to northampton (in Portsmouth at the moment) - what could you do for me?

[icklemini]

what could you do for me?

give me a shout when you are around and I can get it in the workshop and up on the ramp... can see whats going on...

Can sort the geometry, got an onsite bodyshop too should the panel work need looking at...

Drop me an email:

Edited by icklemini, 09 July 2024 - 10:01 PM.

[rasputin22]

I now know why Rich. Icklemini has hit it on the head. Your car has been patched around the front subframe rear mount. If the person who did it hasn't drilled the holes in the right place then your subframe will be mounted incorrectly.

Why didn't i think of this sooner. Think we need to stand back with the carpets out of the footwell and check the alignment of the mount holes in the floor.

[buffalox]

I now know why Rich. Icklemini has hit it on the head. Your car has been patched around the front subframe rear mount. If the person who did it hasn't drilled the holes in the right place then your subframe will be mounted incorrectly.

Why didn't i think of this sooner. Think we need to stand back with the carpets out of the footwell and check the alignment of the mount holes in the floor.

Good skills! Think that is a plan...