15 replies to this topic

[dotnose2]

So Ive just replaced my rear shocks becuase they were Kaput, Ball joints, cones and Rubber donuts all in good condition. But now when i drive over 20mph Every little bump and drain cover pulls the car across eraticly usualy to the right and have to use two hands to control the car just to keep it going straight! also on hard braking, I havent touched the front, i gave the fronts a wobble to see if anything is loose but it donsnt seem to be.. Any one know what this is? Need it sorted as it's pretty un drivable like this..

Thanks

[Joseph-C]

could be the tracking? is the car lowered alot?

[dotnose2]

No not lowerd completely standard apart from KYB gas-a-ajust shocks on the back..

[konyo]

Try getting tracking re-done as said above, could of been put out when you replaced the stuff
Dose it also do it when accelerating?

Edited by konyo, 20 April 2012 - 06:20 PM.

[dotnose2]

Yeah will do, gunna pop to the garage in the morning, yes when excelerating and changing gear..

Ive got front dampers that i need to but on too, i take it theres no point getting the tracking done before fitting them as it will need to be done again?

Edited by dotnose2, 20 April 2012 - 06:46 PM.

[tiger99]

Changing rear shocks would not cause the problem, but incorrect rear tracking or worn radius arm pivots might. The rear wheels MUST toe in 1/16", never toe out, as that causes severe instability.

But it sounds like a problem at the front, incorrect castor (bent tie rods?), wrongly positioned steering rack (unlikely.unless you have been doing bulkhead repairs) or failed subframe mounts (VERY likely if they have done upwards of 10k miles, the toeboard mounts fail regularly.)

If it is front subframe mounts, it is best to replace them all with solid. Never mix solid and rubber or poly.

[dotnose2]

Ive only just bought the mini last week it was quite bumpy to drive and thats why i change the rears damper because i could move the up and down very easily, now the car just seems worse. How will i know weather my wheels are 'toe in or out'? the 7x13 miniliotes by the way.. also i dont kno mucu about cars or mini's so how wuld i check all the above that u mentioned? it done 15,500 mile so i asume the subframe mounts could do with changing any way, how easy is this?

Thanks for you help

[Joseph-C]

here's a guide to changing subframe mounts seems straight forward enough:
http://www.theminifo...ubframe-mounts/

toe in/out:

[dotnose2]

Thanks joeseph.. How easy is it to change the tracking myself? or is it best to let the garage do it?

[Joseph-C]

Not sure, I've never done it myself, I'd just get a garage to do it to be honest.

[konyo]

Thanks joeseph.. How easy is it to change the tracking myself? or is it best to let the garage do it?

If you have the right equipment then pretty easy, i use to do it at college and took ages with proper tools, best to get a garage do to it as they use laser's these days to allign them :)

[dotnose2]

Ahh ok ill leave it to the profesionals then!!
Will this kit be suitable fir the subble mounts.. http://www.minispare...2785&sku=0&tc=1

Edited by dotnose2, 20 April 2012 - 09:17 PM.

[tiger99]

The tracking, and while you are at it, castor and camber, which are also suspect, can be checked by many tyre dealers, who may be the cheapest. Ask for a full alignment check.

If anything but front toe-out needs adjusting, it gets difficult, as there normally is no adjustemnt provided on a Mini.

In most cases the machine will print out a report. If you post the findings here.someone will advise you on what is the best course of action.

If you are changing the subframe mounts to solid, do that first, as it can slightly affect the tracking.

[dotnose2]

Thanks tiger99 i will do.. will the link above be the mounts im needing?

[tiger99]

Yes. My previous answer was lost because of the nasty hackers.