7 replies to this topic

[Cabriomin]

Just wondered if anyone actually used these? Apparently (according to Minispares website) a washer is supposed to be used for cars 84 on with disc brakes to raise height but I've never seen this on any of the knuckles I've taken off. Any thoughts? Thanks

[nicklouse]

most people took them out to lower their cars. also note some knuckles have it built in with a fatter collar.

[Cabriomin]

Thanks. I havent seen the thicker ones ever fitted.....especially given the price difference!

[Spider]

Just about all our Minis and Moke in our Local (Australian) production had one or two spacer washers fitted in the factory.

[ukcooper]

 

 

 

Fri Nov 08, 2013 5:49 pm

from some where I nicked this  thick washer under the knuckle joint

These joints are complete with the knuckle, nylon cup (21A423) and rubber boot (21A425). If your suspension has dropped suddenly, or you have loud squeeking noise during suspension movement, then these knuckles are one of the first things you should check. If left unchecked, the knuckle can wear through the nylon cup, into the suspension arm, and ruin the casting that supports the knuckle joint. Much cheaper than changing arms. Fits front and rear except later cars 1990 onwards that had a built in spacer for extra ride height clearance (GSV1264).

In 1984 when the Mini was put onto 12" wheels as standard several small details were changed. One was to include a thick washer under the knuckle joint (21A1845) to raise the suspension a little in order to gain wheel clearance and suspension travel. Others included packing behind the teardrop mounts, also to gain wheel clearance. In 1990 when the cone spring specification was slightly changed (again) they decided to introduce a front knuckle joint that had this spacer included in it already. This was both to make assembly faster and also to prevent mechanics losing the spacer when repairing the front suspension and completely messing up Mini ride heights when they failed to notice that one side was lower than the other.

[Cabriomin]

Thanks, I've already read that from Minispares. Was just looking for real world opinion. I have had them on any of my cars and havent had any issues. Just seeing what other actually do when replacing the knuckle....

[wile e coyote]

My car had them... A bit odd seeing as it was drum braked at the time... They were removed when the discs and hilos went in...

[Spider]

The Washers are effective for raising the ride height and it was what we did in our Club for many years as few could afford (Genuine) Hi-Los as at that time, that's all that was available, however they do have limitations in just how high one can go with them.

 

There was 4 different thicknesses available, though often, we'd just get some 1/2" Flat Washers from the Hardware Store.

 

Here's some factor info and it includes a Caution Note;-

 

 

Fitted to the Fronts;-

 

 

Fitted to a Rear Strut

 

 

They are also just as effective on Hydrolastic Suspension too.