10 replies to this topic

[Danny_California]

Mini Cooper:
1998:

I noticed a problem recently with my passenger side wheel sticking out more than the drivers side at the rear. Today I took the rear wheels off to compare and found the drums to be exactly the same, but the gap between the shock absorber and the back of the drum was inconsistent side to side. Here's some pics to show what I mean:

Nearside


Offside



Doesnt look much, but it's very noticeable with the wheels on. Any idea where this difference comes from? What should I do next?
Coil spring conversion
Gaz adjustable dampers

[charie t]

subframe alignment

[mini93]

i would say, its possibly to be a subframe problem... but seeing the point your measuring fromt, the shock absorber tot he back plate.

look and make sure the shocks have the same spacing either side facing the radius arm 1st off
check the measurments elsewhere too. if you can from the drum face to the arch edge.

[Tommyboy12]

Cant be a subframe problem for that specific measurement. More likely to be a bent shock/bolt mount or maybe a bent radius arm/mount.

[mini93]

id guess towards radius arm too.... have you had the rear geometry set?

[miniman24]

I would say radius arms bent - if you look down on the wheel from above, does it appear to be much further into the arch on one side? Mine is, as one radius arm is slightly bent and it has the effect of making the drum closer to the shock on one side.

Completely off topic, but how do the coil springs perform? Are they more comfy than standard cones? I'm thinking of getting a set

[mini_legend]

I've heard they are very comfy, but not very comfy on your wallet mate lol

JK

[Danny California]

Which wheel do you think is in the wrong? I've not had the rear geometry set, what is there to adjust? (Ignorant question)
Is it a case of replacing the radius arm? Because if so I have a set of camber brackets which would be easier to fit at the same time, and might make alignment more comprehensive.

I can't speak highly enough of the coils, they're really good. They're pretty easy to fit too, if you know what you're doing, but I had mine fitted by a specialist.

[Danny_California]

BTT
Any suggestions? Should I be looking to get new radius arms? Or what about the mounts?

[lrostoke]

Its hard to tell off the pictures but it looks like about 3mm difference ??
That could be a bent backplate, looking at the 2nd picture the backplate does seem to bend towards the shock using the drum as a reference.
Is there any uneven tyre wear ?? Probably not even worth worrying about

[Danny_California]

That's a thought. It is very noticeable with the wheels on, it looks ridiculous. And can't be good for tracking. The tyres are brand new, but ill check them. Another thing that's wrong is the rear drivers side radius arm is very stiff, I think the larger gaz damper is fouling the inner arch. But its only on that side.