2 replies to this topic

[Skortchio]

Having noticed one side of the mini was substantially lower than the other at the front, I asked and searched about and came up with the options most likely of Knuckle joints or donuts.

As I was advised not to change donuts without knuckles and knuckles were cheaper, I shot up to Minispares this morning to grab me some knuckles and a compression tool.

Got home and started work, looking forward to new (and even) suspension.
Unfortunately I ran into a small problem when trying to remove the cones, I just couldn't get enough room to remove them.

So I tightened the compression too a bit more, and a bit more and a bit more and it was almost like it wasn't compressing - because it wasn't, it was actually distorting the frame of the car it was braced against...!

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Needless to say my attention turned to surveying the damage, picture is below. I can only assume that the metal was already damamged or weakened somehow otherwise the compression tool would be poorly designed (and there'd be a lot more posts like this).

I need some help! The obvious solution would seem to be weld a plate over the top, reinforcing the area. Is this viable or am I looking at trying to source a new... whatever part that is?

Really could use some help here guys, what started as a seemingly good idea and ideal intro to mini's is rapidly growing into a long list of issues that I'm not experienced enough to deal with.

Thanks,

[Shifty]

Are you sure you used the compressor correctly?

Stick some pics up of how you had it set up.

[Skortchio]

Followed the instructions to the letter.

Removed tower bolt, screwed short threaded end into hole it left and tighten up. Drop sleeve over the rod with the flanged end against the frame, add washers and nut then hold rod still with 8mm hex head and tighten bolt.

Once we realised the cone wasn't free enough to come out I tightened the compression tool a little further and it started tilting. Which was when I stopped and checked why.

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