23 replies to this topic

[DarcyMini]

Hi everyone,

I noticed recently that I got some play in both wheels when rocking the wheels from side to side. Is this normal? Attached a video

It is a mini 1.3 MPI 1996
https://drive.google...ew?usp=drivesdk

Thanks in advance

[MiniMadRacer]

No thats not normal, you either have play in the rack itself or maybe the steering arm is lose

[MiniMadRacer]

or maybe the rack is lose, ie not "bolted" properly to the floor pan

[68+86auto]

What's the other wheel doing?

[DarcyMini]

The other wheel has the same play if I rock back and forth

Edited by DarcyMini, 10 January 2024 - 12:53 PM.

[DarcyMini]

or maybe the rack is lose, ie not "bolted" properly to the floor pan

Hmm ok I see, I also noticed this... the gaitor is basically gone on both sides...

 

https://drive.google...iew?usp=sharing

[DarcyMini]

No thats not normal, you either have play in the rack itself or maybe the steering arm is lose

 

What is the telltale sign that the rack itself has to be replaced?

[stuart bowes]

steering arm loose / track rod end / inner tie rod / U bolts around the rack (edited have now actually seen video)

 

could be any either of the above, full investigation required, try and see which bit is moving relative to which bit is staying still

 

I tried looking for new inner tie rods although mine turned out to be ok,  I struggled to find any but then realised mini spares are selling racks for about £80 anyway so I guess just replace it (no idea what the quality of those racks is like though)

Edited by stuart bowes, 10 January 2024 - 11:34 PM.

[slidehammer]

Are all the ball joints ok and there is no play in any of those?

MPI Minis with 13 inch wheels are harder on on suspension parts than the older Minis with smaller wheels.

You need to isolate where they movement is before buying anything or you could be just wasting you money on parts you don't need.

[Stevie W]

It might be the lighting in your video, but when you rock the wheel side-to-side, I think I can see the shadow of the tyre edge moving independently to the hub assembly. This would indicate worn wheel bearings, does the wheel have play in it when you rock it at the 12 and 6 o'clock positions?

 

Irrespective of what the issue is, you need some new tracks rod gaiters!

 

Cheers, Steve.  

[DarcyMini]

steering arm loose / track rod end / inner tie rod / U bolts around the rack

 

could be any of the above, full investigation required, try and see which bit is moving relative to which bit is staying still

 

I tried looking for new inner tie rods although mine turned out to be ok,  I struggled to find any but then realised mini spares are selling racks for about £80 anyway so I guess just replace it (no idea what the quality of those racks are like though)

 

I will check these during the weekend! I thought so too, the racks are quite cheap (the subframe work is something I am not so keen on though to remove the rack ;) ). Thanks!

 

Are all the ball joints ok and there is no play in any of those?

MPI Minis with 13 inch wheels are harder on on suspension parts than the older Minis with smaller wheels.

You need to isolate where they movement is before buying anything or you could be just wasting you money on parts you don't need.

 

True, I just realized I only checked the lower ball joint... will check the upper during the weekend! Thanks!

 

 

It might be the lighting in your video, but when you rock the wheel side-to-side, I think I can see the shadow of the tyre edge moving independently to the hub assembly. This would indicate worn wheel bearings, does the wheel have play in it when you rock it at the 12 and 6 o'clock positions?

 

Irrespective of what the issue is, you need some new tracks rod gaiters!

 

Cheers, Steve.  

 

Hmm I did not notice that, I will recheck that during the weekend! But I have no play when doing the same at 12 and 6 though.

Yeah, the gaiters were gone on both sides..

[Stevie W]

No play at 6 and 12 o'clock probably means the wheel bearings are OK then! It just looked as though the wheel/tyre was moving with respect to the hub in the video.

 

Will be interested to see what the issue turns out to be!

 

Cheers, Steve.

[68+86auto]

If you lower one wheel onto the ground it will be clearer.

Edited by 68+86auto, 10 January 2024 - 10:49 PM.

[Spider]

Hi everyone,

I noticed recently that I got some play in both wheels when rocking the wheels from side to side. Is this normal? Attached a video

It is a mini 1.3 MPI 1996
https://drive.google...ew?usp=drivesdk

Thanks in advance

 

That Rack has had it !!

I doubt you'd even be able to overhaul it.

[68+86auto]

Watching it again and it looks like you need to check your suspension bushes too.