Hi Guys,

I have a custom trailer that seems to have inherited the rear hydrolic suspension from a mini cooper (the ones with bicycle-tire style valves).

I've called around a number of mechanics in Sydney, and non of them still have the tool for replacing the high-pressure fluid. Does anyone have any suggestions for places (preferably close to Newtown, and fairly cheap) that have this equipment?

I'm in the dark and worried the whole thing might be unsalvageable without this... :(

Josh

Are you referring to the old fashioned classic Mini that had a hydrolastic suspension system connecting front suspension to rear via high pressure pipework?
Best to convert that to rubber cone system as per the non hydro type I would have though?
I dont think the hydro system was fitted for very long to the original mini as the wheelbase wasnt considered really long enough to make it work properly unlike on the Austin 11/1300, and parts might be a bit scarce now, and even the pump up equipment as youre finding.
New MINIs are coil sprung front and rear as far as I know?

I assume that's it: what I have is the rear suspension, and the pipes have been crimped short to just stop. As this is just the foundation of a custom boat trailer that someone else put together, I don't want to get too involved in replacing bits, but maybe there's no easy solution. I tried to follow a lead for "Mini spare centre" and the guy (who sounds like he's originally from Yorkshire) has since moved from Sydney to Melbourne. He says he has 3 of the machines down there with him! Not so helpful...

You could read this, dont know if its any help to you?
Some guy on about making your own, says its easy???
mk1-performance-conversions.co.uk/technical_mechanical.htm

Thanks for the info, though this looks like it only handles the "sucking" part of the process, and the refilling would still require the specialised device. I heard a hilarious account from the first mechanic I talked to about their attempt to use a standard compressor: apparently the hydrolic fluid backwashed into it, and the whole left side of the mini fell to the ground: oops!