7 replies to this topic

[Dominic85]

Hello all I have become the owner of a 1969 mk2 cooper 1000 and it has the original hydrolastic suspension, my issue it that when pumped up the rear is very high yet the front is not that high…

My question is should the front have a knuckle joint fitted? I shall try to upload a couple of photos of what I have and what I have been told I may/should have

All I would like is for the car to sit level and help with what to do to make it do so

Any help or videos would be greatly appreciated

[Dominic85]

I am unsure if this should have this part inside of it

Attached Files

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•  IMG_1196.png   105.15K   3 downloads

[nicklouse]

Yes there should be knuckle joints in the front.

[mab01uk]

Yes, Hydrolastic Mini suspension struts have the same knuckle joints as a rubber cone suspension Mini.

The knuckle joint sits in a nylon cup on the top suspension arm and is usually hidden by the small rubber boot over it, which prevents any dirt entering the joint.

If the metal knuckle joint and nylon cup are worn the suspension ride height will drop. In severe cases of wear the knuckle joint can wear right through the nylon cup and start wearing into the suspension arm. This is usually caused by the rubber boot becoming split and road dirt and moisture entering the joint causing wear and loss of lubricating grease.

Note: The value of a Hydrolastic Mini Cooper is higher as a classic car if it retains its original 'wet' suspension, so wherever possible it is best to maintain original factory spec and not to convert to 'dry' rubber cone suspension.

 

See Hydrolastic front suspension Diagram in link below:-

https://www.somerfor...ion-hydrolastic

Edited by mab01uk, 25 February 2025 - 03:18 PM.

[Designer]

Hi Dominic85,

 

Welcome to the forum

 

Looking at that picture I would definitely say that the rubber boot on that knuckle joint has come away from the nylon cup and so will be letting dirt and moisture in thus causing wear.

One tip become a TMF+ member for the enormous sum of £5 per annum and once you have registered your TMF+ membership with Simon at Minispares you will get the 71/2% discount on your orders from them.

You can PM him through the forum to register your TMF+ membership.

 

Paddy

[Dominic85]

Hello all thank you for the reply’s, I won’t be converting it to dry suspension if just like it sit more level if possible. I shall sign up and I’ll get a pair ordered tomorrow 👍🏻

[timmy850]

You can also get front knuckle joints with a little built in spacer to raise the height (or the separate washer)

https://www.minispar...-with-poly-boot

https://www.minispar...aise-suspension

Getting the front and rear height set level on a hydro mini is difficult, as it will tend to raise the rear end first. Often you’ll need to pump it up near the max pressure to get the front to the right height
It’s worth flushing the system through a few times to get new fluid throughout. The helper springs at the rear help to pull the suspension down, so if these springs are worn it can make the back higher.

[Dominic85]

Hi all again, to replace the knuckle joint do I need to removed it from the the car or can it be done in situ by removing g the wheel? I am a novice at all this so didn’t want to start something I’ve no idea on changing


Thanks in Ada mace for any help or photos offered