3 replies to this topic

[karl & his cooper]

1989 Mini City E
998cc

Suspension dropped on both sides a few months ago, so replaced rubber cones and shocks
Still wasnt better on one side so had the upper suspension arms out on both sides and replaced them & their nylon cups...much better )

Had a bump ( few weeks ago nothing major just damaged a wing and dented bonnet, structurally car was fine as measured distance from centre of axles each side and compared and they were less than 1 mm out ) so put a new wing on and bonnet and put some grease in the suspension nipples that take it as I didnt have a grease gun when I put new 1's in so only could fit in what I could prior to assembly. The side which took the bump has dropped, the perfect side I can easily get my clenched fist in the wheel arch without touching the wheel or lip on the arch, on the bump side this isnt the case much tighter.

This side is constantly making a low pitch squeek noise when driving and the wheel fowls in a tight corner,

I have greased it,
swapped shocks,

What could be wrong?

Is it wise to inspect the new non-genuine cone I fitted to see if the metal insert has parted from the rubber or has torn the rubber?

Many Thanks

Karl

[karl & his cooper]

Anyone?

[pantera2075]

Could be many things, and unlikely (Though possible) that there is a problem with the rubber cone.

Check everything is tight. Check front tie rods are straight. replace tie rod bushes.

Check rear front subframe mounts. Check driveshaft isn't hitting subframe where it passes thru it.

Take a good look at the suspension arms - with this sort of discrepancy, you might be able to see the difference in the angle of the arms. If so, you should be able to trace the problem back.

Has one of your rear cones collapsed and pulling the front down?

[karl & his cooper]

Could be many things, and unlikely (Though possible) that there is a problem with the rubber cone.

Check everything is tight. Check front tie rods are straight. replace tie rod bushes.

Check rear front subframe mounts. Check driveshaft isn't hitting subframe where it passes thru it.

Take a good look at the suspension arms - with this sort of discrepancy, you might be able to see the difference in the angle of the arms. If so, you should be able to trace the problem back.

Has one of your rear cones collapsed and pulling the front down?

Hi thanks for the reply.

The rear arches are nice and high... so dont think thats causing the front drivers side to sag will take a look... is there an easy way to get at the cone? jack it up real high on the subframe and then undo the cone bolt with my special tool and shud pop out?