25 replies to this topic

[Cooperman]

Once the brakes are OK, check the ride height.

If it is lower than standard you need to get it back to standard. It can either be worn front cone springs, in which case they need replacing for 'original specification' ones and new knuckle joints and cups fitted as well.

I hope this helps.

[MattyH52]

Quick update on this..

The cones had deteriorated quite badly and I'm pretty sure it must be hitting the bump stops so I am planning on ordering a kit from mini spares which includes standard cones and GAZ adjustable shocks.

Next question.. Is there anything else I need to order and change at the same time, like bushes etc?

Also, the rear brake shoes are almost down to metal. A new set and a clean should solve that problem!

Once these are sorted and it's a bit safer ill book the rolling road to get it set up properly.

Thanks for all your help.

[zerobelow]

I believe the minispares kits also include knuckles, but make sure yours does, you'll probably be replacing those while you're at changing out the cones.

 

If you've been hitting some potholes really hard, you may want to take a look under there and make sure that the rest of the suspension is still there and looks straight.

[Lincsminbin]

On the suspension front, rock solid is definitely not right.

I have recently replaced my front cones. If you rock it from the roof, it rolls from side to side on the suspension nice and smoothly.

On the power front, my Mable is a 998 auto, I have accepted that accelerating like a cruise ship is the norm. I may not get there quickly, but I get there stress free (traffic jams aren't a problem when you're at the front)! and with a smile on my face

[Ethel]

A solid brake pedal suggests seized caliper pistons, whip the pads out, one at a time, and press the pedal to test and ease each one. Scrub the pads on a bit on abrasive paper to de-glaze them while you're at it. This could also explain the apparent lack of oomph, it may not be obvious on inspection if the discs need to heat up before they bind.

 

New rubber cones can transform any Mini, but also investigate the dampers if it's sitting high.

[Guess-Works.com]

Sounds like a good service and a look over from someone who knows what they're looking at is required...

 

ps. a service is not just oil, filter and plugs...

[lewBlew]

1: How slow is too slow? Minis aren't heavy cars. Mine's very nippy and it's stock. Maybe try uprating if you're hard to please

2: Try what people have said about checking the hi-los, shocks, but remember it is a Mini. It's close to the ground and balancing on rubber rings.

3. Overhaul the brakes. Not expensive. I had a hard brake pedal in another car which turned out to be the rear brakes were stuck on. The brakes in my mini are very good for the age so you obviously have something wrong. Don't really see a need to upgrade from stock unless you upgrade the performance (very important).

[rally1380]

What wheel/tyre combination have you got?

 

13" wheels can give a harsher ride than 10's with 70 profile tyres

[MattyH52]

Hi All,

 

I have 12" 6J Revolutions on. I sure I have isolated the problems now, but i'll update after I get a chance to get the spanners out at the weekend.

 

I have since driven another mini and I definitely have suspension problems, which i am going to completely replace so that will cure that. As for the brakes, they weren't too good on the Mini i drove this afternoon, so I guess I'm just not used to non servo brakes anymore. It has been 2 years since i drove a car non servo'd. You just have to stamp a lot harder. I am going to replace rear pads now I've seen them as they're near the metal so that should improve them a fair bit. The front pads and discs are nearly new so no probs there.

 

As for being slow.. It picks up around 3500 revs. Before that it makes a lot of noise (Exhaust and cone filter induction) but is basically flat. You accelerate and it just gets noisier until it hits around 3500 revs then it picks up. A bit! I've fitted electronic ignition, new leads, plugs, and had timing checked so Im thinking it may be a carb problem. Next stop once its safe to drive is rolling road tune up. Hopefully they can shed some light on the flat spot.

 

Once again, thanks all for your advice and your patience!

 

Whilst i'm not new to classic cars, I am new to minis so sorry for any obvious questions.

[Tamworthbay]

You could always fit a remote servo kit. They aren't stupidly expensive. Personally I prefer the feel,of non servo brakes on a mini, but of the issue is a 'hard' pedal then a servo would help immensely with a trade off of a loss of feel close to the limit.

[Ellie]

I have similar in my mini, it seems flat going up even the smallest incline, if I use the full choke it is decidedly better. It will then rev a lot more freely and seems to have more power.

Not the most scientific of tests, also is the dash pot empty?