6 replies to this topic

[s2ulk]

Hi all,

I have a 99 sportspack cooper with 13 inch wheels and I’m looking to overhaul the suspension this summer. I have been looking through posts on here to work out what I will need for that and what else I should think about doing whilst I have the suspension out. This is the list I have compiled and would be grateful for any other suggestions of what should be added to the parts purchase / work list (I am keeping the existing Koni shocks):

1. Replacement rubber cones (I’ve chosen the evolution cones from mini spares)
2. HILO set front and rear.
3. Suspension knuckle joints
4. Upper arm repair kit
5. Subframe rubber mounts

[stuart bowes]

you can also get refub kits for the rear radius arms, you can get a reamer and fit it yourself or send them away to have it done, its not the easiest job but also far from impossible.  it may not be necessary of course, you can only judge that for yourself 

 

some say for the front subframe solid mounts are the way forward, that's what I'm doing on mine, but there are some caveats.. maybe look that one up and read the opinions

 

you might want camber and toe adjusting plates for the rear end

 

similarly you can get adustable bottom arms and tie rods as a kit for the front end (camber and caster)

 

most of that isn't 'necessary' it's more a case of while you've already got it in bits...

Edited by stuart bowes, 19 April 2024 - 11:59 AM.

[68+86auto]

I wouldn't change anything that you don't need to, the quality of parts is a big issue. I would inspect it to see what you need.

Rubber cones you will almost certainly need. You have missed tie bar bushes and lower arm bushes.

[stuart bowes]

at least the solid mounts thing does sidestep the whole 'suspect rubber' issue of cheaper parts

Edited by stuart bowes, 19 April 2024 - 12:26 PM.

[Ethel]

In my experience the upper arms are pretty bombproof, as long as they're regularly greased. I wouldn't do them just for the sake of it. Though, if the cones are out, it would be the time to at least inspect them.

 

 

Wouldn't like to say if you'll appreciate solid subby mounts with 13 inch tyres, but new cones will make it as bearable as it's likely to get. A solid mounting will still feel better than a failed rubber mounting.

[DeadSquare]

If the ball of the knuckle joint has worn through the nylon cup, the unsupported centre of the new cup doesn't last long.

 

You can tell if the ball has worn through before you start, either with a test meter connected to the Aluminium trumpet and the upper arm, or with wires and a bulb from the input to the starter solenoid to the trumpet.

[MiniJosh92]

Don't forget the little rebound buffer rubbers under the top arm, they usually need replacing. Most I do need balljoints and often wheel bearings too.