Rubber suspension

Rubber suspension

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Discussion

sagalout

Original Poster:

18,893 posts

289 months

Tuesday 11th November 2003
quotequote all
Once I get the welding out of the way (about in a decade), I'll be turning to the suspension. Apart from the obvious, how do I tell if the rubber cones are knackered. What's available? Some places advertise ST Rally types others say only "standard" now available, etc etc. What do I need (can I get) for the 73 Clubbie, road & road/rally car. I will be changing the knuckles if knackered, I should be able to see that.
PS will be changing the sub frame mounts for poly type unless you think different. Against solid 'cos of noise transmission and think I need a little "compliance" for road use.
thanks folks
Tony H

Dodgy Dave

810 posts

258 months

Tuesday 11th November 2003
quotequote all
Not to sure about ur cones but normally u can tell when rubber has past its sell by date,
if u do change them i know ur best with the std ones.

As for the sub mounting kit i'm using the solid ones and i didnt find any real increase in noise (this is a mini though).
The car handles allot better for it and if your also worried that the car maybe to vicious for road use make sure u buy adjustable shocks (can recommend the AVO's)as with them you can make it as compliant as u want it.
Hope that helps ya

plotloss

67,280 posts

277 months

Tuesday 11th November 2003
quotequote all
If you are taking them out to have a look at anyway see if you can get hold of a new cone.

Then compare one with other and if the ones in the car are shorter then they have sagged.

Mine were 14 years old when they came out and they are about an inch shorter than they were...

Cooperman

4,428 posts

257 months

Tuesday 11th November 2003
quotequote all
Rubber cones have always been one of the more reliable bits on a Mini (a relative term in Mini-speak!).
On a rally car, new ones will sag quite quickly - probably after a couple of fairly tough events. Then it helps to have either hi-lo's (if permitted by the regs) or a tower tool to compress the suspension to fit the spacer washers.
If you can find a fairly late standard car with some mileage on it you can use fit the cones which have already sagged a bit. They seem to get a bit harder when they have sagged. Just make sure the rubber is not detaching itself from the metal and make sure you use the correct spindle in the tower tool - there are two types of thread in the cones. To change a cone you must remove the top arm on the front, but that's not too difficult.
As Dave says, don't set the dampers too hard. A Mini suspension needs to work and there is little enough suspension travel to begin with. That's why I always set my cars a bit on the high side for rallying and maximise the available travel. Lowered cars are great on the track, but never, ever on the road.

sagalout

Original Poster:

18,893 posts

289 months

Wednesday 12th November 2003
quotequote all
Thanks again all, been distracted in the garage by a misfiring Tiv and a petrol spill at the same time so Mini given a rest. (Going to the flicks tonight with g/f for a break from cuts bruises and oil....)