suspension and drive problem

[Maui]

Hi


I am not sure where to put this, so I am going to put it in here.


I have my 25k service in two weeks and my mini one is beginning to feel not as good as it did when I got it 10k miles ago. The steering isn't as tight as it was and the suspension not as stiff.

The tracking has gone on it a bit, so I will need to get this sorted and this will hopefully improve things a lot.


My car is still under warranty, as I only brought it 6 months ago from dealer.

What I was wandering was, what I can ask for for free when it gets serviced that may sort out some of the problems above. i.e what is covered by warranty that might solve this or make it better



failing that what cheapish ideas does anyone have for improving these problems.

thanks in advance for any advise


maui

[Root Ginger]

Quote: Originally Posted by Maui (original)

Hi


I am not sure where to put this, so I am going to put it in here.


I have my 25k service in two weeks and my mini one is beginning to feel not as good as it did when I got it 10k miles ago. The steering isn't as tight as it was and the suspension not as stiff.

The tracking has gone on it a bit, so I will need to get this sorted and this will hopefully improve things a lot.


My car is still under warranty, as I only brought it 6 months ago from dealer.

What I was wandering was, what I can ask for for free when it gets serviced that may sort out some of the problems above. i.e what is covered by warranty that might solve this or make it better



failing that what cheapish ideas does anyone have for improving these problems.

thanks in advance for any advise


maui

You'll probably find it's just general wear and tear on the suspension components. I've heard a couple of people complain about the ride being not as tight as it once was. The only thread I've seen that solved the issue was to replace the various bushes in the suspension system.

[Richard Crofts]

Change to better poly bushes (can be expensive)

get the swivels checked for play and fit new ones or pack with grease (if this is possible on a BMW MINI?)

Fit a strut brace...both upper and lower.

New anti roll bars on front and back (stiffer ones?)

Better shocks and lower springs or a coil over kit

These will all help but it depends on warrantee needs and your wallet size

[Maui]

What will all of these things cost and which is likely to give the best results for the money

[Richard Crofts]

Go to lohen.co.uk and check out the full suspension p[ackages they do. They also sell all those items seperatley too. They are reasonable on price but there are others cheaper if you search hard and know the exact items you want.

R

[GTT 280]

Quote: Originally Posted by Maui (original)

What will all of these things cost and which is likely to give the best results for the money

Hi there. I too have the sensation of loose steering and suspension, compared to when it was new. I have coil-over shocks, 18" rims and front camber plates fitted. Also have AP racing BigBrakeKit (BBK).

I've had BMW look at it, and Lohen, both say that there is nothing mechanically wrong with the setup, both parties applied some lube to the bushes etc. So i conclude that it must be the rubber bushes wearing out.

I think that if you drive hard and have a suspension setup like mine where the ride can be quite harsh, then the rubber bushes must be wearing out by now. (or what ever OEM bushes are made out of).

I am considering powerflex bushes for all suspension and steering components. Not sure how much that would cost though, and wonder if that would truley fix the problem?

Anyone?

Cheers,
CSW.