8 replies to this topic

[nicksuth]

CONFUSED - HELP !!!! - I've been searching eBay to get hold of some new front and rear knuckle joint assemblies but am confused by some advertised as either front or rear use and some specifically for the front or rear, i.e. suggesting they are diferent.
Just checked a parts list I have and the Mini Spares site and still confused.

Rover Parts List
Front Knuckle Joint Assy = GSV1118 (1964 to 1990)
Front Knuckle Joint Assy = GSV1264 (1991 onwards)
Rear Knuckle Joint Assy = GSV1118 (all)

Mini Spares List
Front Knuckle Joint Assy = GSV1118 (Fits F & R 1990 onwards) - MS Price £9.24 each
Front Knuckle Joint Assy = GSV1118MS (Fits F & R up to 1990) - MS Price £3.17 each
Rear Knuckle Joint Assy = GSV1264 (Front Only 1990 onwards) - MS Price £14.10 each

How can you tell what type you have (is there a number stamped on it?) and does it matter if you are using Hi-Lo's?

To Administrator - tried to post it under suspension etc, forum but system would not allow!!!!

[minimender]

This is something that I would like to know also. Some one must have the data somewhere ???

Looks like one still fits all..just different numbers , and prices!

Edited by minimender, 09 January 2008 - 11:55 PM.

[Dan]

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 Rover mechanics loosing the spacer when repairing the front suspension and completely messing up customer's Minis when they failed to notice that one side was 15mm lower than the other. These are the ridiculously expensive ones that are about £15.00 each. They have come down though, they were £25.00 last year.

So by part number they are:

GSV1118, a standard knuckle joint to fit all Minis but will need the addition of washer 21A1845 if fitted to the front suspension of 1990 on Minis, and to retain the existing spacer on Minis '84 to '90.

GSV1264, the thick flange knuckle joint equivalent in size to the basic knuckle when the spacer is fitted to it and standard on front suspension of 1990 on Minis but will fit the front of any 1984 on Mini if the original spacer is deleted.

GSV1118MS, a standard length knuckle joint manufactured by Mini Spares rather than by an original supplier. Suffix MS part numbers are items made by Mini Spares Centre themselves.

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What Dan said!

[minimender]

So the cheapest option is to buy the cheapest one plus a washer instead of the expensive one then

[Dan]

Yup. The genuine washer is about £2.50 but so long as both sides are the same you can use a stack of normal 1/2" washers built up to roughly the same thickness. Be careful though, if you go beyond the thickness of the genuine washer there isn't enough of the knuckle pin left in the trumpet to keep it stable and the knuckle can then fall out while driving.

[minimender]

Yup. The genuine washer is about £2.50 but so long as both sides are the same you can use a stack of normal 1/2" washers built up to roughly the same thickness. Be careful though, if you go beyond the thickness of the genuine washer there isn't enough of the knuckle pin left in the trumpet to keep it stable and the knuckle can then fall out while driving.

I've had two thick washers on a car for a client who had a body kit and wanted his car raised up.
Anyway even with two there is plenty of the shaft still inside the trumpet for safety.

[nicksuth]

So if you are fitting Hi-Lo's it shouldn't matter if the washer is fitted or not as you can Independently adjust the ride height - is this correct???

[Dan]

Anyway even with two there is plenty of the shaft still inside the trumpet for safety.

It might look like that but if it had failed for any reason then any claim would have been entirely down to you and not gone back to the part manufacturer as Rover very strictly stated to never space knuckles further than the thickness of the genuine spacer washer. Also there is some variation in the trumpet castings from one to another and however much of the pin is inside the trumpet if the machined knuckle supporting section of the trumpet isn't fully engaged with the pin then it is outside spec.

So if you are fitting Hi-Lo's it shouldn't matter if the washer is fitted or not as you can Independently adjust the ride height - is this correct???

Yup.