17 replies to this topic

[System]

Hi Guys

Hope you can help

Want some suggestions before I start playing about as I can't seem to find anything on the matter.

I have noticed the rear drivers side wheel is sitting at an odd angle. When looking at the mini from the rear the wheel seems to tilt in at the bottom. I am not sure how long it has been like this only really noticed it when i was walking towards it the other day. It has not gone anywhere for a good two years just kept in a garage while being worked on. The garage it is kept in has lots of devices and we measured both rear wheel angles passenger side tilted in at an anlge of 2 degrees whereas the drivers side tilts in at around 8-10 degrees.

I am guessing its something to do with the suspension? I'm hoping nothing is bent!

[racingbob]

8 - 10 deg something bent, the left one even seems a bit more than normal. mine were showing positive when bought it soon changed that now have about 1/2 deg neg

[Cerberus]

IIRC the standard camber for the rear is somewhere around 2 degrees...I think.

Must be something seriously bent/broken to change it that much though.

[System]

I am wondering if it is the bushes that need replacing on the radius arm as they have been on the way out. would that cause some kind of odd angle? Its not hugely noticable until you really look at it from the rear. Everything seem solid cannot see anything bent but I will double check.

[Jumpinjacks]

hmmm this seems like the exact same problem as mine, at first I thought it was because my shocks were kanckered, so I fitted new shocks today and its still the same.
There is no play in any of the bushes on mine though, but the exact same wheel leans outwards at the top
Here is a picture but it is hard to make out, you can notice it alot more in person

Attached Files

•  IMG_20111009_172203.jpg   804.29K   65 downloads

Edited by Jumpinjacks, 09 October 2011 - 06:04 PM.

[greensilver mini]

when mine was like that it was my subframe as it was non genuine subframe that was what made mine like that anyways

[System]

hmmm this seems like the exact same problem as mine, at first I thought it was because my shocks were kanckered, so I fitted new shocks today and its still the same.
There is no play in any of the bushes on mine though, but the exact same wheel leans outwards at the top
Here is a picture but it is hard to make out, you can notice it alot more in person

Thats exactly how my rear is! So it could be somethings bent or it could just be like that anyway?

[Jumpinjacks]

I'm unsure, I only noticed mine after fitting yoko 165's and they started to rub at the back. Does yours rub with more weight in the car when turning left hard?

[System]

unfortunately I have not driven it on the road in two rears while i've been rennovating it. Though like you it is also a Sprtie 1275...

[Boycie]

Most likely explanation is a bent radius arm unfortunately. They're surprisingly easy to bend, a whack into a kerb is enough to through the alignment out. Another possibility is (as said above) a bent or spurious rear subframe... but personally speaking, I've never seen one that is so badly made that the wheels are visably 'out'.

If the arm and subframe check out ok, it's quite acceptable to fit adjustable camber brackets, to get the wheel alignment in spec (either available from Mini specialists or make your own like I have in the past), however, their adjustment is relatively limited and you may still have to make further 'adjustments' (do you have a round file?!) to the arm mounting position.

[Jumpinjacks]

Bugger I've heard they are a sod to replace

[Jumpinjacks]

The thing is that it is a bit strange how me and system have it on the exact same wheel. And if it had ever been smashed into a curb, surely the nearside would be the most likely.

[strettman]

hi,

just a quick note. if you jack your car up and then let it down again, the wheels and ride heights tends to have changed position abit. this could be what has happen to your mini and all it needs you to do is move it around or drive it for a little bit and it will right itself.

thanks

EDIT: xD i just noticed you ment the wheel is toe-ing in, sorry i thought you were talking about camber.

Edited by strettman, 10 October 2011 - 11:13 AM.

[Jumpinjacks]

hi,

just a quick note. if you jack your car up and then let it down again, the wheels and ride heights tends to have changed position abit. this could be what has happen to your mini and all it needs you to do is move it around or drive it for a little bit and it will right itself.

thanks

EDIT: xD i just noticed you ment the wheel is toe-ing in, sorry i thought you were talking about camber.

Definitely not the case with me as I have driven everywhere in the car and its exactly the same

[System]

thanks guys Ill get it up on the lift wednesday have a look and report back...