rear wheels sit at different angles

[dogfather]

im a little concerned about my rear wheels, i did post a question last week but im still in the dark on this problem. i have a new rear subframe,suspention,recon radius arms, back plates and brake assembley,spcers and wheels (everything new). Ive done no repairs to the rear end and there is no sign of damage to the backend. i built the frame and just bolted it straight in no probs.now ive noticed that the drivers side wheel is kicking out, i measured the distance from the back end of the radius arm to the subframe and the drivers side is 10mm closer to the frame than the passenger side. is it possible for the arm to be bent, after all it is a recon exchange, or is there any other common faults that cause this, ive checked that every thing is fixed together flush and the wheel runs true in its possition with no buckle. help on this would be great as its realy playing on my mind. thanks agen neale.

p.s have you seen what BMW are bringing out? if you havent its a mini SUV, OMFG what are they doing?????

Edited by dogfather on Saturday 9th January 11:49

Edited by dogfather on Saturday 9th January 14:01

[Cooperman]

Neale,
It is probably just tolerances on the new sub-frame. They can be very inaccurate and often it's necessary to re-set the suspension position both in terms of toe-in, camber and equality/alignment front to rear.
Ideally, the rears should toe-in between 1/16" and 1/8" and this alignment should be equalised with respet to the front wheels when they are in the 'straight ahead' position.
The camber should be 0 degrees to 1 degree negative.
The key to all of this is the position of the hole in the radius arm bracket. It can be re-set by filing until corect and taking lots of measurements, then welding a large washer in place when it's all set correctly.
It is possible to do all the settings fairly well using a couple of wooden posts (I have used an aluminium ladder with straight sides!), a milk crate, a square board measuring about 24" square, apencil & paper and an accurate metal tape measure.
This is not something to worry about and is relatively easy to get right. Once it's done the car will handle very well.
It's a bit too long to go into exactly how you do the settings, but if you email me I can go into more detail. I'm off for a weeks holiday tomorrow, so it may take a while for me to get back to you.
Peter

[dogfather]

thanks Peter you put me at ease again lol. well im very curious about this ladder and milk crate trick so ill be definatly be emailing you when you get bak. i hope you have a great weeks holiday and im very greatful for all your help over these last few years. neale.

[DanGT]

You can get bracket to alow for ajustments. For me they work well and if you change anything later it is posible to re ajust as required. Not to much money.

[GTRMikie]

dogfather said:

is it possible for the arm to be bent

Edited by dogfather on Saturday 9th January 14:01

Yes, it is possible for a recon radius arm to be bent. I bought one from MiniSpares a few years ago, but when mounted on the car it had about 20 degrees positive camber! On closer inspection it was obviously bent, and MiniSpares exchanged it for a true one.

[dogfather]

GTRMikie said:

dogfather said:

is it possible for the arm to be bent

Edited by dogfather on Saturday 9th January 14:01

Yes, it is possible for a recon radius arm to be bent. I bought one from MiniSpares a few years ago, but when mounted on the car it had about 20 degrees positive camber! On closer inspection it was obviously bent, and MiniSpares exchanged it for a true one.

thanks guys.GTRmikie, this was my plan to take it back but i bought at minis 50th bash at cofton/longbridge last may but dont recall getting a recipt so i cant remember if it was a minispeed stall or minispares stall so i may be stuck with a duff.