5 replies to this topic

[Kerrin]

Now I have the new (Mrs Kerrin's)mini on the road, I am really pleased with how it handles and how stable it is on the road, even the better half is really happy driving it. All the parts are standard but in good condition.

Unfortunately this has proved that my mini goes like stink, but handles really badly, It feels like the rear end is loose, and overtaking is somewhat hit and miss as the car is just not stable on the road. Everything except the rear subframe/radius arms have been rebuilt, the car has mini spares adjustable front arms which are set to 1deg negative camber and (I think) 4 degrees castor

So far I have jacked the hi-lows back up to a reasonable height, which is keeping it off the front bump stops and has helped the ride. Everything else seems ok. I have my own set of tracking gauges and the tracking is set correctly toe out.

The only problems I can find are the tie rod front bushes are the uprated mini-spares type and are really starting to deform, and there is a small amount of play in the O/S radius arm, about 2mm up and down wiggling with the car on stands, The N/S arm has no play.

Is this wear within acceptable limits or is this causing the handling problems, and need a new arm fitting?

Cheers

[Robert]

about 2mm up and down wiggling with the car on stands

Up and down? Perhaps I am reading your post wrong - but there should be a certain amount of movement up and down. That will be the movement in the knuckle joint. When the radius arm bearings wear then you will be able to move the wheel in and out. There shouldn't be any play in the in and out direction. If there is, then it is time to change the arm.

The previous owner of my Mini didn't have the arm changed soon enough, and when I got hold of the car the arm was too worn to be reconditioned. There was so much play in the RH arm that the wheel was rubbing the wheelarch.

Too much wear!



You can see where the wheel was rubbing in this shot.



Hope that helps.

[sonikk4]

Its worn, replace either the arm or get a new pin and bearings. It may pay you to do both sides so at least you know all will be well on that part of the suspension.

[bmcecosse]

Often a new pin will take up most of the wear - 2mm does sound worn. But dodgy handling is often down to the rear tracking - so since you have a gauge - check the rear. It should be parallel to very slightly toed-IN, and certainly NOT toed OUT!

[Kerrin]

Often a new pin will take up most of the wear - 2mm does sound worn. But dodgy handling is often down to the rear tracking - so since you have a gauge - check the rear. It should be parallel to very slightly toed-IN, and certainly NOT toed OUT!

Ok I will check the rear tracking tonight. I do have some adjustable rear brackets but not fitted them yet.

There are some spare new rear pins in a box of spares I was given so maybe that will fix it but once the tracking is checked I can strip it down and check the pin/bush wear, and then decide a way forward.

Thanks all

[Scallywag630]

Also, check the rear subby mounts and bolts.