48 replies to this topic

[Spider]

 

Yeah... it seemed to be more than 1 degree... 

 

Cool, I'll take it to a wheel alignment shop and get them to check it out. Is the only solution to replace the radius arm? could there be other issues like damage to the subframe, etc?

 

 

In regards to the arm, most likely a replacement. I do have a jig for checking the arms (off car) and another for bending them, but I don't know if anyone else would have this kinda stuff, as it wasn't a normal service thing.

 

Arms should be fairly easy to find, however before jumping the gun, I'd suggest getting it checked out, it could also be a bent subframe?? 

[Vinay-RS]

In regards to the arm, most likely a replacement. I do have a jig for checking the arms (off car) and another for bending them, but I don't know if anyone else would have this kinda stuff, as it wasn't a normal service thing.

 

Arms should be fairly easy to find, however before jumping the gun, I'd suggest getting it checked out, it could also be a bent subframe?? 

 

Ah bugger, I hope it isn't a bent subframe, that sounds like a big thing to fix...

[Spider]

 

Ah bugger, I hope it isn't a bent subframe, that sounds like a big thing to fix...

 

 

Seriously, no. I recon the worst parts is having to remove and refit the fuel tank and then bleeding the brakes at the end, Other than handbrake cable, the brake pipe (from the front), there is the tops of the shocks to undo (hence why the necessity to remove the fuel tank) then there's only 8 bolts and it's out.

 

If you do find yourself needing to buy a second hand subframe, could I also suggest that you overhaul it before fitting it up.

[Vinay-RS]

 

Seriously, no. I recon the worst parts is having to remove and refit the fuel tank and then bleeding the brakes at the end, Other than handbrake cable, the brake pipe (from the front), there is the tops of the shocks to undo (hence why the necessity to remove the fuel tank) then there's only 8 bolts and it's out.

 

If you do find yourself needing to buy a second hand subframe, could I also suggest that you overhaul it before fitting it up.

 

 

I finally got around to taking the car to a mini specialist in my area. Within five minutes of looking at the way it was sitting and checking the underside, he said that the rear radius arm was bent. Before I get him to fix it for me, I was wondering if changing it out was something that I (as someone with little to no experience with mechanics) could tackle myself, or if it was best to get a professional to fix it?

[Dr s]

So in order to this you need to be confident to jack up and securely support the car.
Depending on which side of the car it is you may need to take out the fuel tank to access the damper mount at the top.
You'll also critically need to build up the brakes on the back plate refit and bleed them.
None of these are difficult jobs, however if it's the first time and it's a daily driver I'd sent it in.
If you have room to work and possibly leave the car in bits then it's very very doable.

[Vinay-RS]

So in order to this you need to be confident to jack up and securely support the car.
Depending on which side of the car it is you may need to take out the fuel tank to access the damper mount at the top.
You'll also critically need to build up the brakes on the back plate refit and bleed them.
None of these are difficult jobs, however if it's the first time and it's a daily driver I'd sent it in.
If you have room to work and possibly leave the car in bits then it's very very doable.

Thank you Dr s, that was a very complete answer and answered every question I could have. 

The car is primarily a daily driver and I currently don't have a place to store it or work on it for more than a couple of hours. 

I have never bled the brakes although I did remove the tank to change the shock on that side. 

I guess you are right and the best option would be to get someone to fix this quickly and properly :)

[mab01uk]

You may also find some of the mounting nuts and bolts are seized, rusted or even shear off in the subframe which can be difficult for someone with little experience to deal with outside a workshop or with limited time or tools.

[Spider]

Vinay, It is a fairly straight forward job, no special tools are needed.

 

Gotta run right now, but I'll be back later (unless some else jumps in).

 

 

You may also find some of the mounting nuts and bolts are seized, rusted or even shear off in the subframe which can be difficult for someone with little experience to deal with outside a workshop or with limited time or tools.

 

mab01uk, actually I'm quite sure he'll find the bolts will come out easily. Vinay lives in South Africa, which like here, they don't salt the roads. I know that rear subframe failures from Rust are very common in the UK, but virtually unheard on in these parts.

[spiguy]

mab01uk, actually I'm quite sure he'll find the bolts will come out easily. Vinay lives in South Africa, which like here, they don't salt the roads. I know that rear subframe failures from Rust are very common in the UK, but virtually unheard on in these parts.

 

Lucky,lucky bu99ers... I WISH that were true of the UK. That said, I don't know what the alternative is, but I just hate the salt. We are now in April, and they are STILL salting the roads, and putting down ALOT. A quick run in the car and it comes back caked in salt

[timmy850]

The alternative to salt is living somewhere where under 20 degreees C is cold, and under 10 degrees only happens once a year!

[Vinay-RS]

Thanks everyone for all the advice. I got the radius arm replaced today :)

In the end I took it to a mini specialist, who removed the arm and the mounting bracket. They cleaned up that area of the subframe, the brake back plate and the other components in the area. The reconditioned unit was cleaned, regreased and fitted and the whole job, including brake bleeding took the guys about 3 hrs working slowly and methodically.

 

It was also nice, cause I got to see how the whole job was done as well as the extent of the damage to the old radius arm and bracket. Anyway now I have a mini with no camber issues

Edited by Vinay-RS, 10 April 2015 - 08:09 PM.

[Dr s]

Perfect outcome. Car fixed and you understand how and why. Plus your closer to being able to tackle it yourself

[Spider]

Awesome. Let us know how it is on the road.

[Ben_O]

Nice one Vinay

[Vinay-RS]

Went for a nice drive on some winding roads (with passengers as well) and the mini handled like a dream, hugging the road perfectly, nicest drive I've ever had :)