30 replies to this topic

[Boycie]

I'll happily pay twice as much for a part that lasts more than 12 months.  Noticed the non-gen knuckle joints I fitted 800 miles ago have split one of their boots already- totally split in half, long ways.  That's a job I really want to do again on the front so soon!!! (not).

Serves me right for not buying genuine I suppose.

[mab01uk]

Lots of info on the quality of rubber parts for Mini's here......it seems better quality parts are available in Japan but they are willing to pay higher prices for what is now low volume manufacture.

http://mk1-forum.net...0c31f1e5f12f250

 

Also discussed here:-

http://www.theminifo...s-rubber-parts/

 

I still think many suppliers don't think the vast majority of UK Mini enthusiasts who run 'regular' Mini's on a shoestring will yet pay the prices required for quality.......watch the crowds at any Mini show in the UK buying parts from 'here today gone tomorrow' traders selling cheap unbranded Chinese imports. I suppose that may change over the next 10 years or so as the remaining 'daily driver' Mini's disappear and most that are left become highly valuable cherished classics?

Edited by mab01uk, 15 July 2015 - 10:39 PM.

[Mini Manannán]

Mini Delta have rack gaiters at £20: http://www.mini-delta.net/item/2342/  and CV boots for about the same: http://www.mini-delta.net/item/2342/

 

According to the Mk forum the Japanese 'scene' had them manufactured in good quality rubber, I'd pay it if they lasted years.  In my experience off buying fishing gear from Japan the shipping was not unreasonable.  If they are so much better quality it might be worth taking the plunge.

[firstforward]

Mini Delta have rack gaiters at £20: http://www.mini-delta.net/item/2342/  and CV boots for about the same: http://www.mini-delta.net/item/2342/

 

According to the Mk forum the Japanese 'scene' had them manufactured in good quality rubber, I'd pay it if they lasted years.  In my experience off buying fishing gear from Japan the shipping was not unreasonable.  If they are so much better quality it might be worth taking the plunge.

You should not have to take the plunge, the suppliers should take the plunge, they are after all supposed to be looking out for our interests and in doing so their interests. As I have said before why don't the suppliers show any Brand names on their site so we can make an informed decision on all components. Simon stated he knows of the manufacturer well put that manufacturers name next to the product description if the product turns out top be junk we can avoid next time because clearly the suppliers are not doing their job right on rubber components. 

[Harrison541]

I bought the rear back plates fully built up with pistons and shoes from minisport about 6 months ago and already the handbrake rubber gaitor has split to the point of it being an mot failure, its not even been on the road yet. So its not just Minispares selling on cheap rubber rubber.

[Jonny1812]

Ok it's not the rubbers and they aren't from minispares but I bought a set of ball joints from a local motor factor. I only fitted one as that was all I needed but 5k later I could feel a small amount of play in the top ball joint, once I'd split the taper I could feel about 3mm of play up and down!! Once I found the socket I stripped it down and found the bottom of the balljoint was chewed to buggery. Comparing the little cup in the hub to an old one the OD was bigger than standard, not allowing it to 'self centre' then I found the diameter of the cup was too small. I expected better from first line as I've used quite a number of parts from them for customers, now I'm left wondering...
In the meantime I've reused an old balljoint, flatting the bottom of the nut until I could reshim it to get a longer life ;)
On the plus side the rubbers are still looking brand new although I slathered them in grease after the mot....

[Spider]

Ok it's not the rubbers and they aren't from minispares but I bought a set of ball joints from a local motor factor. I only fitted one as that was all I needed but 5k later I could feel a small amount of play in the top ball joint, once I'd split the taper I could feel about 3mm of play up and down!! Once I found the socket I stripped it down and found the bottom of the balljoint was chewed to buggery. Comparing the little cup in the hub to an old one the OD was bigger than standard, not allowing it to 'self centre' then I found the diameter of the cup was too small. I expected better from first line as I've used quite a number of parts from them for customers, now I'm left wondering...
In the meantime I've reused an old balljoint, flatting the bottom of the nut until I could reshim it to get a longer life ;)
On the plus side the rubbers are still looking brand new although I slathered them in grease after the mot....

 

A mate of mine tried a full set that sound similar to these and I think he got a bit less than 5000 km from them.

 

Gotta be careful what we buy these days!

[peter-b]

There's some real rubbish out there, some that shouldn't even make it to a shop, let alone fitted to a car. These are items that you risk your life on, and or others. I always buy original manufacturer parts if possible, especially ball joints, tie rod ends etc. The problem the the likes of Minispares face it that they specify a particular standard and have to assume they get it. The added problem they face is if something does go wrong they are responsible to rectify it, then deal with a manufacturer that may or may not come to the party regarding rectifying the problem and any sort of compensation. Lets face it, there's a lot of competition out there and unfortunately the original manufacturers have long gone, leaving it to companys in the likes of china and india etc. This means any sort of quality control is very limited and warranties they offer are basicly zilch. Theyre a law unto themselves.
As mentioned the Japanese don't accept this and have taken upon themselves to manufacture some things them selves. I'd be more than happy to buy 'made in Japan, items, something that you wouldn't have done 50 years ago when mini's first came out.

Edited by peter-b, 19 July 2015 - 12:46 AM.

[ChopperHarris]

Surely Minispares has a quality control "dept" (ie man with beard and pipe) that checks items are made to their specification?

[1984mini25]

So its not just Minispares selling on cheap rubber.

 

Nope it's everywhere. I bought some new tyres for my push bike from a independent shop on eBay a year or so ago, the bike is stored in the shed when not in use. But still the tyres are cracked worse than what they replaced.

 

I also buy a lot of r/c parts, and even those aren't exempt from the problem. Some buggy tyres, not used much, perfect tread and stored in a dry garage along with the mini, but completely useless as the sidewalls have perished to nothing.

 

Even a box of assorted o rings from Halfords for various little bits on the r/c cars are all cracked and perished.

[Artstu]

Our ball joints are made by the same manufacturer as the Rover ones, the Rover ones include a slightly different locktab for the metal brake pipe, but other than that they are identical. Made at exactly the same factory

 

Simon are the cheaper ball joints supplied with the thinner spring washer as in your photo, or do they have the wider spring washer as supplied on the more expensive ones? They certainly do not look identical, or perhaps the photos are not representative of the products?

 

Also please do you have any updates on the situation of rubber parts supplied by Minispares. For example the CV boots, now it's quite a big job fitting new ones along with a new CV joint, can you guarantee that the new boots are going to last as well as the OE ones? and for that matter any other part with rubber components in. Is the perishing rubber still an ongoing issue?

 

Expensive ones

https://www.minispar...sic/GSJ166.aspx

 

 

 

Cheap ones

https://www.minispar...c/GSJ166MS.aspx

 

 

[Spider]

I have recently found a UK supplier for some of my rubber bits and I am pleased to say, they are not the same ones that Mini Spares (and many other suppliers) are selling, they actually look and feel like the original BMC / Leyland ones I was buying up until about 10 years ago, it does feel and fit like rubber, and not plasticised rubber. Sadly, they don't have a full range. Sorry at this point in time, I do wish to stay tight lipped on who this is (they are only a very small supplier in any case), however, clearly the good stuff is still out there and being manufactured today, so why don't all the other suppliers cotton on to this, especially given all the recent press on rubber.

 

Likewise ball Joints, sorry, but the Mini Spares and 'Genuine' ones are nothing like those I was buying a while back and again, I actually have found a local supplier who has high quality joints, fit right out of the bag, no lapping or added BS needed and only one or two thin shims and they are 'there'. And the price - in the same ball park as all others. I've had these in the draw a few months now but only had the opportunity to fit a set yesterday. Nice and as they should be.

 

I know this may seem like a rant and a bit of a kick at some suppliers and it may well be a bit of a rant, however, I do spend heaps with Mini Spares in the UK and for the most part are happy with most of the stuff I have bought from them and they do of course have great service, but I do feel that there are a few items they could easily improve upon and I don't know why they aren't.

Edited by Moke Spider, 27 September 2015 - 10:51 AM.

[Artstu]

I see those Unipart ball joints come with the narrow spring washers too.

 

http://minisport.com...hown-in-picture

[mikal]

I have a pair of newish fuel tank/ body shell rubber grommets on my car. A year later, wait for it, they have become WATER SOLUBLE! When I wash the car black s#&t runs from them. What on earth is that! Bought in Australia, origin unknown but via UK.....

[Spider]

I have a pair of newish fuel tank/ body shell rubber grommets on my car. A year later, wait for it, they have become WATER SOLUBLE! When I wash the car black s#&t runs from them. What on earth is that! Bought in Australia, origin unknown but via UK.....

 

Did they come from Karcraft?