Mini expert in South Oxon/Bucks
Discussion
Hi all
The missus has a T reg Cooper - nice car even I drive it! (I know I'm in a mini forum - it just winds her up when I say that
)
I took it out for a run the other week whilst my car was being serviced and frankly I was a bit disturbed by it.
Potholes / bumps in a straight road will chuck the front of the car well out of line causing the average B road to become a workout of steering correction.
I'm guessing Steering rack (although it corrects well), Suspension or something in those bits that hold the wheels to the axles (I'm really quite technical really!).
The other problem is that if you lift off the power whilst travelling in a straight line the car will pull to the right.
The car is under warranty from the dealer who is happy to fix anything but his mechanic seems to think the problems we have are just in our heads... I'd rather just go down there with a list of parts that need replacing and tell him to get on with it.
So... Any ideas what the problems are? And does anyone know a good Mini specialist in my area (or a willing PH'er who'd have a quick look in return for a few pints!)
The missus has a T reg Cooper - nice car even I drive it! (I know I'm in a mini forum - it just winds her up when I say that
) I took it out for a run the other week whilst my car was being serviced and frankly I was a bit disturbed by it.
Potholes / bumps in a straight road will chuck the front of the car well out of line causing the average B road to become a workout of steering correction.
I'm guessing Steering rack (although it corrects well), Suspension or something in those bits that hold the wheels to the axles (I'm really quite technical really!).
The other problem is that if you lift off the power whilst travelling in a straight line the car will pull to the right.
The car is under warranty from the dealer who is happy to fix anything but his mechanic seems to think the problems we have are just in our heads... I'd rather just go down there with a list of parts that need replacing and tell him to get on with it.
So... Any ideas what the problems are? And does anyone know a good Mini specialist in my area (or a willing PH'er who'd have a quick look in return for a few pints!)
Sounds a little like normal Mini handling!
A worn rack will cause the car to wander but as this is only a 4 year old car I am not sure that is the issue. The other thing that may cause this is the subframe mounts, get these replaced with poly/super/deflex versions or even metal ones.
There is a chap on this forum with a wealth of knowledge but he mentioned on another thread that he isnt about today.
A worn rack will cause the car to wander but as this is only a 4 year old car I am not sure that is the issue. The other thing that may cause this is the subframe mounts, get these replaced with poly/super/deflex versions or even metal ones.
There is a chap on this forum with a wealth of knowledge but he mentioned on another thread that he isnt about today.
plotloss said:
Sounds a little like normal Mini handling!
Thats what the missus says but I've driven a few and this is incredibly jumpy at the frontend. Its got the SportPack on it with the wider tyres etc and I wonder if they increase the problem perhaps?
Another quick mini question - can you get a quick rack - it takes an age to get from lock to lock (although comparison is a little unfair!)
Sounds like you have a bit of a handfull there. Part of the problem will be the sportspack wheels and the other changes made to accomdate them. Firstly the offset on the standard Rover "minilite" 13" wheels isn't quite right which is where some of the tram-lining and steering kick back is coming from. Oh and those 13" wheels are really heavy !! Second Rover increased the front ride height a little by incorporating a spacer under the knuckle joint of the front suspension to prevent the wheels catching the front wing. This has the effect of increasing positive camber, which is never a good thing. Finally if the car has any mileage on it probably all the rubber suspension bushes are shot.
There are various solutions to all these problems, most of which are reasonable in terms of cost and relatively easy to do. Unfortunately your Rover dealer will not be able to help with aftermarket parts especially if it's still under warrenty. But don't dispair, find an independant mini speciallist locally and try them. MiniSpares offer uprated bushes and subframe mountings which will help. Check the front suspension tie-bars are not bent by careless jacking or hitting pot holes. These can be replaced with uprated adjustable items. From there you might be best checking out Cooperman's little suspension missive on these very pages, lots of good info there.
There are various solutions to all these problems, most of which are reasonable in terms of cost and relatively easy to do. Unfortunately your Rover dealer will not be able to help with aftermarket parts especially if it's still under warrenty. But don't dispair, find an independant mini speciallist locally and try them. MiniSpares offer uprated bushes and subframe mountings which will help. Check the front suspension tie-bars are not bent by careless jacking or hitting pot holes. These can be replaced with uprated adjustable items. From there you might be best checking out Cooperman's little suspension missive on these very pages, lots of good info there.
Phil, I think you've covered it all. My only additional recommendation, after changing all the bushes and fitting solid sub-frame mounts, is to fit 12" wheels with 165x60 tyres. Also check the rear track and camber. I know I covered this in my bit about handling, but it is really critical. I'll never know why rover went to 13" ultra-wide wheels which really cock-up the handling. They don't even increase the ultimate road-holding on dry smooth tarmac, and in the wet there is insufficient tyre contact pressure on any surface.
A high ratio rack is not necessary for the road, it just increases the steering effort. I don't even use one on my rally cars. With a high ratio rack you really need a 15" steering wheel to feel in proper control on a bumpy and twisty road.
A high ratio rack is not necessary for the road, it just increases the steering effort. I don't even use one on my rally cars. With a high ratio rack you really need a 15" steering wheel to feel in proper control on a bumpy and twisty road.
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