Veering problem

[EnglishJob]

Hi,

I recently bought a mini from a main car dealer 2 weeks ago. 54 reg. August build date. Black convertible

Its mainly at lower speeds and its worse on roads that are not so flat (rounded or poor condition) Mini will veer BOTH left and right....
When I bought car with Pirellis on they were leaking pressure and pumping up tyres helped so I had them sealed to the alloys. But problem persists at 32 psi and 36 psi.

Steering I think feels a bit soft, though not compared it yet with other minis. Will do so over next few days.

I was wondering if anyone has had similar problems or can point me in right direction?

Cheers and regards,

Stuart

[Caveman]

What size are your tires and are they run flats?

[EnglishJob]

They're 17" runflats Caveman.

[Caveman]

mini cooper tramlining

[Paul@1320]

What mileage has your car done ? I would guess at the front wishbone bushes need replacing.......put your hand at the top off the front tyre and try to push the wheel back and forth............if it has movement you need them.

Superflex SF2548K Front Lower Control Arm Rear Bonded Steel Shell Bush with Hexagon Insert

[EnglishJob]

Hi Caveman, Just realised I should have said full tyre information they are 205/45 R17 84V. Thanks for your interest.

[EnglishJob]

Ah I missed your answer thanks Caveman. which is best width and profile of tyre? Would I need new new alloyt? maybe 205 was too wide hence pressure loss?...

[EnglishJob]

Hi Paul and many thanks!, my minis done 61k. I tried your suggestion and both front tyres role forward and back especially right hand one must have moved over 2 cms. So I guess its the bushes need replacing? Cheers Stuart

[Caveman]

Before changing tires have your front suspension checked out as Paul@1320 has suggested.

Switching from run flat to conventional tires can improve the ride of your MINI. A 205/45-17 fitment is standard for 17" wheels, so you can stick with that size on your current wheels. You'll have to carry a compressor and tire sealant to deal with punctures if you go this route.

[Paul@1320]

When customers come back from a road test after we've fitted the Superflex bushes, they usually have a big smile on there face.

I've known the original MINi bushes to go with as little as 25k on a car.

The best bang for the buck mods for a Cooper S, is pulley & bushes

[EnglishJob]

Hi Paul, thanks for the information. I am feeling the steering 'rod' move against my foot when foot is down on the clutch. Is this normal or part of the bushel problem? I have a Cooper - what is the pulley replacement you mention, what do they do and how much are they?
Thanks again

Stuart

[Paul@1320]

Stuart, I have size 10 feet and the only way I can get it to do that is for my foot to be half way up the pedal, maybe your clutch pedal rubber is worn and your foot is sliding up as you depress the clutch.

Having a Cooper has saved you money as I was referring to a Cooper S and a supercharger pulley

[EnglishJob]

Hi Paul and Caveman,

Thanks for your response.

I'm going to go for Nankang NS2's I think and I'm wondering which would be smoother ride 205/45/17 88V XL, or 205/40/17 84V (not XL). If you or anyone out there has any idea would be great?

I think I'm going to have tyres done first and will investigate and try and find a superflex bushel fitter here in Bristol


All the best,
Cheers,

Stuart

[Paul@1320]

A general rule of thumb will be that the 45 will give a softer ride due to having the taller sidewall, It also depends on the sidewall construction but thats to complicated to get into

The 45 represents a % of the wiidth, 205 in this case.

We can send a set of Superflex bushes down to you when ever you require them.

[EnglishJob]

Hi Paul,
Thanks
Does the XL stand for extra load and just refers to the 88 weight allowance? Or is it an additional thicker rubber hence harsher ride?

Cheers,

Stuart