8 replies to this topic

[Pooky]

Got a small problem with my rear suspension. I recently gave it a minor overhaul consisting of new genuine rubber cones, Hi-Lo copies, knuckles and Gmax shocks.

I've eventually got the ride height set and can still comfortably get two fingers between tyre and body. However when ever I corner hard or go over a dip in the road there is contact between the tyre and body. Not good.

Are the cheap Hi-Lo's the cause of this? They obviously don't have the progressive curved edge like the real ones do. I'm reluctant to simply raise the suspension as I think it looks good and isn't excessively low at stand still. Also don't want to have to replace the cones or shocks...

Any thoughts?

[WoMaD]

i have genuine hi-lo's and mine still rubs. i had to make the gap 4 fingers so it was usable for every day use. it does rub a lot when i have passengers in the back.

to go low with out rubbing, people often tub the arches.

Edited by WoMaD, 03 July 2010 - 05:52 PM.

[Ethel]

The new cones will be more bouncy allowing more travel.

[L400RAS]

The new cones will be more bouncy allowing more travel.

Exactly as Ethel says, new cones require time to settle in and bed down. They will sink over time, so you may need to wind up the hi-los again. From new, minis had a lot more clearance than two fingers worth, but then many end up with one 1 finger etc..

Ryan

[Pooky]

Ahh didn't think of it like that. So replacing the hi-los with genuine ones won't help much then? Well that's £45 saved cheers!

[Ethel]

I'd think flat rimmed copies would give less travel than pucka Hi-Lo's. I also think you'll have to raise the ride height a bit to avoid the rubbing, but you could look at some of the rear bump stop kits.

[luiji89]

I'd think flat rimmed copies would give less travel than pucka Hi-Lo's. I also think you'll have to raise the ride height a bit to avoid the rubbing, but you could look at some of the rear bump stop kits.

hey dude, is it possible to fit the rear bump stops on a 1989 mini?

[Wil_h]

I would avoid bumpstops unless really necessary.

What is interesting about the mini suspension is that as you raise it it gets stiffer, this is caused by the angular movement of the knuckle joint. It's more apparent at the front, than the back, but the upshot is that you don't need to raise it much to improve matters significantly. Try 1/2 a turn at a time until it stops and see where you are rides height wise

[Yoda]

i have yellow spot rubbers and no rubbing so they are stiffer, better handling too, and it sits as low as i like it!