Pre-MOTD MINI Prep Checklist

Discussion in 'MINIs on the Dragon 14 (May 11 - 15, 2016) Fontana' started by Nathan, Mar 28, 2016.

  1. Nathan

    Nathan Founder

    Mar 30, 2009
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    Time for the annual occurrence of this checklist.

    It's a PDF, download and print if you like.

     Oil – Close to 5K mark on current Oil? Go for an early change.
     Under Bonnet Check –Look for leaks, broken/worn engine mounts, worn plug wires
     Gearbox Oil – If near 2 years or 50K miles - Change
     Brakes – Check Rotors and Pads – Have at least 50% left
     Brake Fluid – If near 1 year or 25K miles – Change
     Coolant – MINI recommends every 4 years from build date for a change, every 2 years would not hurt.
     Tires – Tread level should be at least ½, check for uneven wear
     Wheels – Check Torque on lugs 83ft/lb 1st gen, 102ft/lb 2nd gen – Check often on site. See Chad at Detroit Tuned tent to use his torque wrench.
     Wipers – Replace blades if older – It could be quite wet at MOTD
     Lights – Check all lights to verify operation
     Battery – good condition, make sure is securely fastened
     Suspension – Check all bushings for wear, replace as needed
     Steering – Check for wear – replace anything questionable
     Exhaust – Secure with no leaks, check mounts
     Wheel Bearings – Check for excessive play
    Running The Dragon even at the posted limit taxes all the systems on our MINIs. 311 Turns in rapid succession will find the weaknesses if not attended to ahead of time. Please be sure to check you braking system well.

    Check list compiled with the assistance of Chad from Detroit Tuned.
     
  2. Dave.0

    Dave.0 Helix & RMW Powered
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    Don't forget BEER or "drink of choice" because Graham Country is a dry county. :beer:Thumbsup:
     
  3. Goldsmithy

    Goldsmithy MINI Alliance Ambassador
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    Extra underwear, lots and lots of extra underwear...:wink::biggrin5:
     
  4. yellowbritishrocket

    yellowbritishrocket Well-Known Member

    May 16, 2009
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    and if you are driving a classic mini to said dragon... a container of spare parts and gaskets lol
     
  5. LowCountry S

    LowCountry S Active Member

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    ^^^this!! :cornut:^^^

    just did all my pre-trip stuff with the added bonus of a clutch, flywheel, assorted bearings and bushings, and a Quaife LSD--looking forward to the trip! :cool:
     
  6. jeffster06

    jeffster06 Active Member

    Apr 23, 2010
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    My pre trip inspection has been exhausting.... my R53 is no longer a daily driver but I had to drive it all last week due to the other ride being down. During this week, my exhaust fell apart and I discovered both my wheel bearings had excessive play :mad:

    So now I have a new exhaust system (even found a leak at my test pipe while I was under there) and new wheel bearings. Flushed the brake fluid while I was at it too, I believe Broknsmurf is now ready. I might throw an oil change in there too although im at like 2.5k on the change, except I did it last June-Julyish...
     
  7. LowCountry S

    LowCountry S Active Member

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    and now a motor mount before I go....(sigh)....
     
  8. vetsvette

    vetsvette MINI Alliance Ambassador

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    In my case... Cash money for Vendors Row! :drool
     
  9. yellowbritishrocket

    yellowbritishrocket Well-Known Member

    May 16, 2009
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    in my case lots of old 1st gen parts for the sale table
     
  10. Zillon

    Zillon Well-Known Member

    Jul 12, 2014
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    Mine is coming together nicely.

    New brakes, suspension, tires, rear sway, fluids...
     
  11. LowCountry S

    LowCountry S Active Member

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    motor and trans mounts done...swap wheels are good to go!
    :D
     
  12. WolfGTI

    WolfGTI Active Member

    May 21, 2009
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    Some guys have all the luck.

     
  13. Zillon

    Zillon Well-Known Member

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    No luck on the mega-build?
     
  14. agranger

    agranger MINI of the Month June 2009
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    Apr 22, 2009
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    I know.... It isn't car prep, but bring lots of layers (weather up there changes faster than Nathan's tires), some sun screen and bug repellant.
     

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