25 replies to this topic

[JonnyAlpha]

Hi;

 

As part of an engine upgrade from 998 to 1310 on a 1982 HLE 1000 I need to convert the existing Drum Brakes to Discs.

 

I have been researching this for a year of so and have gathered lots of info (some conflicting) and have been considering either buying a new complete conversion kit such as that sold by many of the main suppliers, or mixing SH with new parts e.g. SH Hubs with new Calipers etc.

 

During my research I have come across information on fitting Metro Hubs to a Mini, in most cases the information refers to the inability to get the geometry correct however there are also examples of instances where it worked.

 

The reason I am raising this issue is that I have been breaking three Mk2 Metros and happen to have 2 - 3 sets of Metro Hubs (and a one set of 4 Pot Calipers). Today whilst looking for SH Hubs and Suspension parts a Mini colleague said why don't I just use the Metro Hubs and a conversion kit? 

 

I will be running 10 Inch Wheels so will be fitting 7.5 Calipers

 

Further info / questions below but basically - who has successfully done this and if so can you advise on what I need to get to make this work.

 

Parts Required

 

I understand, from previous threads, that to convert from Drums to Discs I need:

 

1. Disc Brake Hubs

2. Ball Joints (Top and Bottom)

3. Different CV Joints for the Hubs

4. 8.4 to 7.5 Caliper Kit

5. Timken Hub Bearings 

 

I also understand I may need a brake limiter valve?

 

If fitting Metro Hubs (and this is where I need help):

 

1. Metro Hubs (From the 1988/9 Mk 2 Metros (Will these be OK)

2. Metro Steering Arms - to help correct the Geometry

3, Adjustable Lower Arms (I may be able to get a second hand complete set with adjustable Tie Bars for £50 - need a refurb)

4. Adjustable Tie Bars (See above)

5. Ball Joints (Slightly confused here, do I need this special Metro Ball Joint  If so do I need them on the Top and Bottom of the Hub

6. CV Joints - Can I / Do I need to use the Metro ones or Mini (Disc Brake) Ones?

the8.4 to 7.5 Caliper Kit

7. Timken Hub Bearings 

 

 

The Metro 4 Pot Calipers will be up for sale once I get them off of the donor car, if anyone is interested. Although I have read that these can be grund to fit

 

[nicklouse]

do NOT use the metro hubs. they mess the suspension up quite badly the adjustable anything will not fix the hub geometry.

 

just use the Metro brakes on the Mini hubs. the drive flange will need the four wheel locating lugs machining off. but will not fit under 10" wheels.

 

if you are wanting to run 10s just get the Minis set up.

[imack]

As above, use mini hub carriers. You can make metro stuff fit and you can mess around with adjustable arms etc, but you won't get kpi or bump steer correct. Try not to use metro turbo (vented disc) drive flanges either as they mess up scrub radius.
Presume you can fit metro cv's to mini shafts.

[nicklouse]

Presume you can fit metro cv's to mini shafts.

they are the same. Both inner and outer. Just the drive shaft lengths that are different. Which means the track is different which is one reason the hub (hub carriers) are different and not suitable.

Edited by nicklouse, 19 January 2020 - 06:34 PM.

[viz139]

I run metro turbo brakes with adjustable suspension and 13" wheels and am quite happy with the handling but on my other mini with 10" wheels I use a full mini setup. I wouldn't try and fit the metro parts with 10" wheels.

[JonnyAlpha]

So general consensus is NO to Metro Hubs then

[Ronski]

If you were to use the same size and offset wheels as the metro then surely the scrub radius would be correct for the king pin inclination?

Perhaps this is why some have better results than others.

[Ethel]

It'd take somebody better informed than me to work out the implications for the front geometry, but you wouldn't be able to use the same wheels on the back with Mini radius arms.

 

If you are tempted to try the Metty swivel hubs you'd need the earlier ball joints that match the Mini's taper.

 

I did have Metty hubs on my car and it drove pretty well. Although it all looked like standard factory parts I didn't fit them and regrettably didn't investigate (particularly the steering arms) before consigning it all to the bin.

[nicklouse]

It'd take somebody better informed than me to work out the implications for the front geometry, but you wouldn't be able to use the same wheels on the back with Mini radius arms.

 

If you are tempted to try the Metty swivel hubs you'd need the earlier ball joints that match the Mini's taper.

 

I did have Metty hubs on my car and it drove pretty well. Although it all looked like standard factory parts I didn't fit them and regrettably didn't investigate (particularly the steering arms) before consigning it all to the bin.

Why could you not use the same wheels?

 

you can.

[Ethel]

Maybe we have different wheels in mind. The original steel ones, which presumably have the offset for the designed scrub radius foul the radius arms by a country mile.

[AP2020]

If you decide to use the metro hubs you will also need the following information.....

 

(2. Metro Steering Arms - to help correct the Geometry)

 

Throw the metro arms out and fit Mini arms otherwise you will be all over the road

 

And this one ......

 

(5. Ball Joints (Slightly confused here, do I need this special Metro Ball Joint  If so do I need them on the Top and Bottom of the Hub)

 

Use GSJ268

 

and this one....

 

(8.)

 

Use one of these.....  http://www.minispares.com/product/Classic/Accessories/Tools/TOOL21.aspx?0108&ReturnUrl=/search/classic/cv.aspx|Back%20to%20search

Edited by AP2020, 22 January 2020 - 07:09 PM.

[viz139]

Its a long time since I fitted mine but I'm pretty sure I fitted Mini steering arms.

The ball joints are not "special" there just pre 1984 metro ball joints that have the same taper as the mini. They can also be fitted to later metro hubs.

The washer "8" is a tool used for seating any CV joint ,it is used to thighten and seat the CV before fitting the tapered split washer.

[AP2020]

Its a long time since I fitted mine but I'm pretty sure I fitted Mini steering arms.

The ball joints are not "special" there just pre 1984 metro ball joints that have the same taper as the mini. They can also be fitted to later metro hubs.

The washer "8" is a tool used for seating any CV joint ,it is used to thighten and seat the CV before fitting the tapered split washer.

 

Yes see post above, the steering arms must be Mini !

agreed

Also agreed,

[JonnyAlpha]

If you decide to use the metro hubs you will also need the following information.....

 

(2. Metro Steering Arms - to help correct the Geometry)

 

Throw the metro arms out and fit Mini arms otherwise you will be all over the road

 

And this one ......

 

(5. Ball Joints (Slightly confused here, do I need this special Metro Ball Joint  If so do I need them on the Top and Bottom of the Hub)

 

Use GSJ268

 

and this one....

 

(8.)

 

Use one of these.....  http://www.minispare...|Back to search

 

Thank you so much - just to clarify, ref the ball joint GSJ268, do I need use two of these on each hub? And are you supporting the fact that Metro Hubs will work on a Mini (with 10 Inch Wheels? 

[Tupers]

The caliper bolts are a different thread and shank size so you can’t just bolt Cooper S calipers on and if you resolve that I’m not sure if the S discs will fit the metro hubs.