10 replies to this topic

[Down&Out]

Hi folks,

Excuse the making of a topic but i couldnt turn anything up in a search other than people asking how to change knuckle joints, and you never know this could help someone in future.

 

I know that as standard on 80s minis when they went up to 12" wheels, they spaced between the alloy trumpet and knuckle joint with a thick washer to add clearance. I’ve just refurbished a front subframe and I’ve made sure i put the spacer washers back where they're supposed to go. But I’d like to ask, there’s only one used on the front (per side), but is there any more used on the rear knuckle joints?

Minispares says when referring to said spacers, "Suspension has a 3:1 ratio on front and 5:1 rear". Hence my asking.

 

Thanks in advance!

[cal844]

The ratios are for hilo kits

[Down&Out]

Not entirely convinced it is? its quoted on a minispares suspension washer, and not on the HILO listing, and surely, you wouldn’t need the washer for Hilo's anyway because its adjustable so you would just compensate that way.

[A-Cell]

The ratios are the same whatever trumpets are used, fixed or Hilo.
So what this means
"These are the factory washers to raise the suspension.
3.41mm thick. Suspension has a 3:1 ratio on front and 5:1 rear. "
One washer raises the front 3x3.41mm I.e. 10.23mm, and one washer would raise the rear 5x3.41mm I.e. 17.05mm

Upto you really. Do you need to raise the rear? If so then one of these washers each side with a standard alloy trumpet will raise the rear approx 17mm.
Hope this helps.

[cal844]

I see, thanks for the clarification A-cell!!

[Down&Out]

The ratios are the same whatever trumpets are used, fixed or Hilo.
So what this means
"These are the factory washers to raise the suspension.
3.41mm thick. Suspension has a 3:1 ratio on front and 5:1 rear. "
One washer raises the front 3x3.41mm I.e. 10.23mm, and one washer would raise the rear 5x3.41mm I.e. 17.05mm

Upto you really. Do you need to raise the rear? If so then one of these washers each side with a standard alloy trumpet will raise the rear approx 17mm.
Hope this helps.

Superb! This is what i was after. I probably dont need to raise the rear, i've put the washers in because theyre standard (and give the clearance the factory decided they needed). At least ive got the calculations now. I'll assemble the rear without and see what ride height i come out with.

Thanks for your help.

[Alex_B]

did they add spacers then? I thought the knuckle spacer was added when 13" sportspack wheels were used, 

After all the rolling radius of a 12" wheel and tyre is about the same as the 10" wheel and tyre 

[A-Cell]

The spacer washer was used on the front on Automatics because they were that bit heavier at the front. Also Sold as a Special Tuning part to use on Rally cars, to raise the ride height a bit and/or to compensate for the additional weight of sump guard and lamps.
Alex_B is right about the knuckle with the built in spacer being introduced with the 13in Sportspack for the front.

Maybe, Fitting a washer during service life of a car could be to raise ride height due to worn cone and to stop front tyres rubbing on arches?

[Dan]

I hadn't heard about them being used on autos specifically but the spacer washer was fitted to all cars from 1984 on, until they were replaced with the built in spacer knuckle joints in 1990. It's not an MPi part. As standard only fitted at the front and NEVER fit more than 1 spacer to any knuckle. The knuckle can become unstable in the trumpet if not inserted far enough.

[jaydee]

As Dan said, and the rear knuckles fitted from MK5 minis on, also had an built in spacer.

[Down&Out]

As far as i know the built in spacer was introduced to stop mechanics losing them when they didnt know they were there, resulting in a lopsided car.