11 replies to this topic

[Vinay-RS]

Hi All,

 

After getting wheel alignment done, it looks as though the mini has positive camber at the front. We inspected the suspension and the components look to be fine (not bent).  

 

So I was wondering if the positive camber could be due to hilos being set too high? Or if it was due to a possible damaged component.

 

If that isn't a possible source of the problem what changes in terms of components could we make that might remedy the problem.

 

Thanks,

 

Vinay

[Mini 360]

The lower the car goes, the greater the negative angle.  Thats how it usually works on Minis so it could be too high or t could be other things throwing it off.  Im no expert on suspension so this is where my knowledge runs out.

[Vinay-RS]

The lower the car goes, the greater the negative angle.  Thats how it usually works on Minis so it could be too high or t could be other things throwing it off.  Im no expert on suspension so this is where my knowledge runs out.

Thanks for the advice. It is more knowledge than I have.

[Stevie W]

Hi Vinay,

Sometimes after a Mini has been jacked up then lowered back down onto the ground, the wheels will appear to have a positive camber due to the action of the suspension arms/set-up. This soon goes once the car has been driven a short distance. As Mini 360 mentioned, having the suspension height too high will cause positive camber. As a rough measure, how many fingers can you get between the tyre and the wheel-arch?

Cheers, Steve.

[Alex_B]

As standard minis left the factory with up to +2 degs of camber, that was within acceptable tolerance. Ideally you want probably -0.5 degs of camber as that will help cornering grip when you roll onto the tyre more. The best solution would be adjustable lower arms, that allows you to get the suspension adjusted more accurately than fitting negative camber arms which will only reduce the camber by the amount on the part description, as minis aren't all that straight it could mean you end up with a less than optimum setup. 

 

[Vinay-RS]

As a rough measure, how many fingers can you get between the tyre and the wheel-arch?

I just checked now and it is more than 3 fingers, but I can't quite get 4 fingers in the space between the arch and tyre. 

 

The best solution would be adjustable lower arms, that allows you to get the suspension adjusted more accurately than fitting negative camber arms which will only reduce the camber by the amount on the part description, as minis aren't all that straight it could mean you end up with a less than optimum setup. 

So provided everything is good, adjustable arms are a good thing to fit. Thanks :)

[Stevie W]

Hmm,

That sounds about right for the tyre to wheel arch gap, about the same as mine!

Cheers, Steve.

[Vinay-RS]

Hmm,

That sounds about right for the tyre to wheel arch gap, about the same as mine!

Cheers, Steve.

Ah, so then ride height might not be the cause... that makes me more worried now. Thanks Steve :) 

[Stevie W]

Hi again Vinay,

Are you actually measuring positive camber or does it just appear as though that's what you have?
The ride height I quoted you for my Mini appears to be correct. Using the "finger rule" from research between 2 & 4 fingers is about right on the front.

Cheers, Steve.

[Vinay-RS]

Hi Steve,

 

No, I never actually measured the positive camber but everyone who has seen the car says that it looks like the tops of the front wheels are bending outwards. Is it possible that the camber is at acceptable levels? 

 

Also is there a simple way to measure the camber using something like a spirit level or protractor? 

 

Thanks,

Vinay

[Spider]

The lower the car goes, the greater the negative angle.  Thats how it usually works on Minis so it could be too high or t could be other things throwing it off.  Im no expert on suspension so this is where my knowledge runs out.

 

Yeap and conversely, the higher it goes, the more Positive it will become.

 

 

As standard minis left the factory with up to +2 degs of camber, that was within acceptable tolerance.

 

Vinay, as Alex mentioned, they have positive camber from the factory at standard ride height.

 

When the suspension is set to standard ride height, the drive shafts will be flat or parallel to the ground.

 

 

Hi Steve,

 

No, I never actually measured the positive camber but everyone who has seen the car says that it looks like the tops of the front wheels are bending outwards. Is it possible that the camber is at acceptable levels? 

 

Also is there a simple way to measure the camber using something like a spirit level or protractor? 

 

Thanks,

Vinay

 

You can use a level and a protactor together to get an actual angle, or just the level on it's own to see in fact if the suspension positive, just you won't know exactly by how much.

 

You can make a gauge, simple, here's mine;-

 

 

 

As you can see, if measures to a very fine angle.

 

Also Raising it will make the steering go Toe In, so unless that's been set with it at the height you have the ride set at, moving forward will make the wheels steering in to each other and so give the wheels more positive camber, as well as scrubbing the tires.

 

Rub your hand over the tread both ways, if it feel 'sharp' as you move your hand from the inside to the outside, then it has too much Toe In.

[Stevie W]

Hi Vinay,

As Alex_B stated earlier, a standard Mini can be up to +2 degrees positive camber and you'd notice this I think.

You can use an inclinometer (digital spirit level) up against a piece of wood across the tyre side from top to bottom and get a rough measurement, but it will be rough. A tyre specialist with alignment equipment may be able to do this for you too.

Again, as Alex_B stated, you can take out any excessive positive camber and get the camber reading the same both sides by using adjustable bottom arms.

EDIT: Moke Spider beat me too it!!!

Cheers, Steve.

Edited by Stevie W, 02 January 2016 - 06:17 PM.