6 replies to this topic

[ozz1]

My minis just no fun to drive any more, the steering is sluggish and delayed and there is a noticeable dead zone (for a mini). My question is what can I do to fix this and create a really 'direct' feel when driving it, I want go-kart precision. (steering angles are set up correctly- however there is considerable positive camber at the rear).

 

Solid mount the sub-frame? Could the problem lie in the (old) rack? upgrade to polyurethane bushes all round- tie rods (perished currently), lower arms etc?

 

Suggestions please!

[Carlos W]

Your steering should not have a dead spot. Make sure the splines where the rack and column meet are in good condition, and that the pinch bolt is tight.

 

New cones will improve things if they are getting old, along with adjustable dampers for a bit of fine tuning.

 

Solid mounting the front subframe, (you do need to reinforce the toe boards) will make it all feel more direct and attached but all the mounts need to be solid.

 

Adjustable tie bars and 1.5 degree bottom arms.

 

Make sure everything else is as it should be with regards track rod ends, ball joints etc.

 

Check the rear radius arms for play

[crf150]

unbolt the rear subframe, that will make it fun to drive !!

[Rocket.]

Your steering should not have a dead spot. Make sure the splines where the rack and column meet are in good condition, and that the pinch bolt is tight.
 
New cones will improve things if they are getting old, along with adjustable dampers for a bit of fine tuning.
 
Solid mounting the front subframe, (you do need to reinforce the toe boards) will make it all feel more direct and attached but all the mounts need to be solid.
 
Adjustable tie bars and 1.5 degree bottom arms.
 
Make sure everything else is as it should be with regards track rod ends, ball joints etc.
 
Check the rear radius arms for play

As above just make sure all the standard parts are in top condition

[coopdog]

sounds dangerous to me!

[HarrysMini]

sounds dangerous to me!

Agreed, sounds like you need a good suspension overhaul.

 

-New cones

-New Knuckle joints 

-Adjustable/uprated suspension

-Check ball joints etc. for play

-New bushes all round (not necessarily poly, these can fail prematurely)

-Solid mount front subframe 

-Check condition of rack and column, possibly fit a short rack.

[Cooperman]

First of all replace the 'old lady driving feel' front sub-frame mountings with a full set of solid mounts (not those stupid poly bushes which are as much use as an ashtry on a motorbike).

Check for wear/play in the rack, rack mountings, track-rod ends, tie bar rubbers and lower arm bushes. Replace or repair as required.

Check the rear sub-frame and radius arms for wear.

 

Now set the suspension as follows:

 

FRONT:

 

Standard ride height

0.75 to 1 degree negative camber (there are offset inner arm bushes available for this setting, different arms are not vital.).

3 to 3.5 degrees caster

1 mm toe out

 

REAR:

 

Standard ride height

Zero to -0.5 degrees camber

1 mm to 1.5 mm Toe-In