Where to send for suspension set up ?

[speedymadr6]

Had our mini re shelled last year by Somerford after a big smash and I am still not convinced the suspension is set up correctly. Steering feels a bit too vague.

Who would you recomend to send it to ? Live in Herts but don't mind travelling too far.

Its running Hi Lo's, adjustable tie rods, negative camber front and rear on Konis

[love machine]

Look carefully at the rear geometry, sounds like the rear isn't running ahead. I've played with my setting something chronic and rear geometry is the one which makes it feel sketchy, unless you nail it everywhere.

[PJR]

I used to take mine to a place very close to where the original mini spares store was located, in Friern Barnet. I cant remember the sodding name, but I know its still there today, and they did a great job. I am pretty sure it is on Oakleigh Road.

Cheers, P

[speedymadr6]

Thanks for the replies, I will ask Gary at Mini spares next time I am in about the place in Barnet.

[cooperman]

The ideal settings for road use are:

Front: Camber, not less than 1 deg neg nor more than about 2 deg neg
Caster, between 2 and 3 deg
Tracking, straight ahead with zero toe-in/toe-out
Rear: Camber, zero to 1.5 deg negative
Track, 1/8" toe-in.

Any good tyre shop can measure this and I use Stapletons in Paynes Park, Hitchin, Herts, as they are right opposite my office. They can measure it, then I go and do the settings myself with a file, a mig welder and some big washers (for the rear) In fact, you can measure the rear camber yourself with a large square plywood board. It's positive on the rear, or toe-out on the rear, which makes for poor handling and, IMHO, the rear settings are much more important than the front as they control the entire 'feel' of the car and the handling.
I hope this helps.