[Randall Raines]

Quote: Originally Posted by oldnell (original)

Excellent. Thanks, guys, for the info.

One final question. Will replacing the bushes mean that I'll need my wheel alignment done? My dealer, having told me my car drives perfectly normally, suggested getting the wheel alignment done. If I did that, and then replaced the bushes, would I need to get my wheels aligned again?

Oli

Quote: Originally Posted by Mike Edwards (original)

If the problem is worn bushes, a wheel alignment is a waste of money as the wheels will just keep moving around as you drive.

Better to have the alignment and any wear checked by someone who knows what they're doing first. If the bushes are okay, but the alignment is off, then it's worth making changes. If the bushes do need replacing, it's good practise to do an alignment check and adjustment as part of the installation.

100% with Mike Edwards especially "someone who knows what they're doing","it's good practise to do an alignment check and adjustment as part of the installation."

Make sure the garage doing the bushes has the 4 wheel alignment equipment, and knows how to use the equipment they have (easier said than done).

eg. I did some work on the front suspension for MOT (R50, ONE, 2003), that required alignment, as this was the case I changed the rear suspension (as the rear tyres were wearing on the inside edge), earlier R50s don't have any camber adjustment on the rear, R50s approx 2005 do so I replaced it with the later spec .

My friend who has the 4 wheel alignment gear and knows how to use it was on holiday, I needed to get the alignment done ASAP (4 new tyres £100 plus each for MOT, passed 100% after sorting a headlight problem) . So being in the trade went to the local specialist that all the local traders use as they're supposed to be good.

On arrival explained to them what had been done and let them know I knew it needed doing (so I don't get charged when they haven't touched the car). R50, it's a ONE, updated rear suspension adjustable (every thing marked up so I can tell if it's been done ) and rear camber was my biggest concern with the new tyres.

Collected the vehicle they showed me the report (quickly looked at the figures all in green, OK) to say everything was OK, driving home noticed the steering wheel was slightly off (I'll straighten it myself later), then I looked from the back of the vehicle at the rear camber still exactly the same.
ie. / \ , (wearing the inside of tyres) , had a look at the markings I had put on, not budged on rear moved on the front, a closer look at the paper work they had put it down as a R53 ? which will be similar but different, .

Other ½ had to go on holiday in the car (another reason I wanted to get it done), on return said there was a knocking on suspension & the car was wandering a little .

Took the car to my mate with the alignment gear to double check it, the rear suspension had been moved but the camber not done, the front, the drivers side track-rod end was loose the inner ball-joint also loose and not just a little almost undone completely (DANGEROUS!!!) and making the alignment a wast of time. All the components were OK 2 week before for the MOT, only items lose, were what you would have had to undo to do the alignment , rear camber was within tolerances but only just.

Went back to the garage response was.........."Everything was OK when it left us."

Q: Why was everything loose ?..........A: It may have been like that already, we may not have touched it.
Q: Why R53 COOPER S..........A: 17in wheels & spoiler (looks sportier than a ONE / COOPER).
Q: Why has rear camber not been done..........A: 2003 not adjustable according to our info. Didn't need it tyres are OK.
Q: Money back..........A: We will do it again for you.
Reply: I don't think so.

Back to the 1st post.

Quote: Originally Posted by Lucky Dave (original)

I opted for the Superflex type as the have a steel body which I pressed into the cars bush mount.

The drive is totaly transformed, the car has so much turn in its better than the day it was new!

By far this has to be the best suspension mod you can make! Its a must if you are running lowered as the stock oil filled bushes are located to work at a specific angle that they are installed at.

Thats why MINI racers and anybody serious about handling change all the bushes on their cars .