7 replies to this topic

[daniel_johno]

im fitting Hi-Los to the front sub frame while its off the car and also have new rubbers aswell as i dont know how old the ones fitted are but i cant get them out the subframe. they seem to big to fit between the subframe and the upper suspension arm.
I tried removing the suspension arm but the bolt that connects to the subframe doesnt seem to move.

How are the suspension arms removed or is there an easir way to remove te rubbers?

Thanks for looking

Dan

[Big_Adam]

you mean the ones for the tower mount. beacuse you got to basical detach the subframe to get thos buggers out.

[1984mini25]

You can remove the top arm, duck and let every thing fly out,
or
you can do it the correct way and use a cone compressor tool available from most mini specialists costing about £35.

You will also need it to compress the cone enabling you to fit the hi-low as well.

Frequently Asked Questions - Hi-Lo fitting guide

This will also give you some idea as to how to fit them and using the cone compressor tool.

[vasi]

Well, it sounds like he's already done that Big A as its off the car

Daniel you need to undo both the 3/4" nuts and spring washers from the upper arm spindle, then take off the front thrust plate by undo-ing the 7/16" bolt and nut. When you take off the plate, take out the big washer and then you should be able to slide / tap the shaft forward. The upper arm should then come free with a little manoevering. Then the cone can be taken out once the tool has been de-tensioned.

[syholl]

Just in case it's not clear from the above, you MUST use a cone compressor to take the tension out of the cone before you try and remove the top arm.

[vasi]

Good point Syholl. I was typing my response as mini25 posted his.

It is also good practice NEVER TO PUT YOUR HANDS ANYWHERE NEAR ANYTHING IN DIRECT FIRE OF A COMPRESSED CONE.

A friend of a friend lost a finger on a mini which has corroded cone threads and 'let go'

[daniel_johno]

thanks for the replies everyone.

I have already removed the origoinal cones/trumpets and now just need the big rubber/suspension cones out. Does the shaft that the suspension arm is on not knock out then? i dont understand the 'sliding the shaft forward' bit. Haynes says the same thing but im a little confused.

Is there a way of checking if the rubbers need replaced? I have new ones but dont know if my old ones need replacing. Its a second hand subframe i have so have never had the subframe on the car, or know how it rides,

Thanks

Dan

[vasi]

Yes, the shaft comes out completely, or at least mine did yesterday. It's not uncommon for them to be well stiff, having corroded over time. Once removed it's worth checking the condition of the bearing surfaces and needle rollers in the arm.

Rubbers will perish over time and become less effective having different spring rates. If they are over ten years old, or you simply don't know the age, change them anyway. For £40 it's not worth the hassle.