9 replies to this topic

[pmini123]

Hello all,

 

The handling of my car isn't right - its a bit strange up to around 40mph (its not very sharp or responsive, especially with quick steering movements - not the kart like handling that it should have) and anything above that is very nasty - it's almost as if the rear wheels are steering that car and the car feels really unsettled)

 

It used to have a clonking noise over bumps/higher speed cornering before I re-did the rear trailing arms.

 

Changing the trailing arms didn't rectify the problem completely and did change the characteristics.

 

Since changing the trailing arms, the right rear tyre seems to be rubbing the inside when cornering when the car is loaded and there still is a little but of clonking coming from the back when the car is loaded this way (a front passenger and sometimes a rear as well). Also, its higher speed instability wasn't as bad before re-doing the trailing arms. the clonking has gone and it does feel tighter some of the time but its still not right.

 

Its on new cones, dampers and rear tyres (yokos). The wheels are brand new and the rear subframe has recently been sandblasting and restored/protected. The trailing arms have also been professionally refurbished. The tyre pressures are all right all round.

 

I can't work out whats wrong and if there's any adjustments I've missed - all help would be appreciated and can provide any more details if needed

[Swift_General]

Could be too little toe in at the rear. Bearing in mind what you describe and that you have just re built the rear, I'd be getting the geometry measured before doing anything else.

Edited by Swift_General, 11 September 2017 - 06:11 PM.

[DJS911]

Are the rear subframe mountings all secure?

[cian]

Where the rear wheel bearings replaced?

[mab01uk]

Did you recondition your original rear radius arms or swap them on exchange?  radius arm bent?......it does happen. Compare and measure clearances on each side and get someone to follow you and see if your Mini is crabbing in a straight line.......the driver behind will be able to see more of one side of the car if so. As said check all alignments front and rear, subframe rubber mounts, look for unusual tyre wear or scrubbing of tread. Open bonnet and watch while someone turns steering lock to lock.....does the front subframe move around on its rubber mounts excessively?

Edited by mab01uk, 11 September 2017 - 10:00 PM.

[Spider]

It does sound to me like toe out on the rear.

 

As mab01uk suggested, bent arm(s) and / or bent / out of alignment rear subframe and this also is a reason for the rear wheel scrub.

 

Also, if there's too much front toe in, it will want to do this.

[minimans]

First off you need to do a 4 wheel alignment check. Anything else is just guess work and expensive part swapping will ensue! As Moke spider says it may not be the rear that's bad the front toe being wrong will give just the symptoms you have.

[Cooperman]

It sounds like the rear wheels might be toeing out instead of having slight toe in.
The rear wheels might also have a bit of positive camber.

[AeroNotix]

Get a full alignment and post the results.

[tiger99]

May I suggest going to a good tyre dealer, such as STS Tyre Pros, who have done an excellent job for my various high mileage daily drivers over the years. A 4 wheel laser check does not cost all that much. You may not get such good results at a garage whose alignment equipment is ancient and is never recalibrated.