Suspension Brakes 1st Gen Most liked posts in thread: 4 Wheel Alignment

Anytime to replace something, get it aligned even if it feels straight. Not much for setting on front unless you have adjustable camber plates. And also none in rear on 02 without adjustable control arms.

 

Just what parts of the stock suspention have adjustments? As far as I can tell it is just the tie rods ends on the steering rack, so toe is about it. So, unless you have the tie rod ends off the rack, there should be no reason for an alignment or am I missing something?

Dave

 

I will be facing the same problem as you, very soon. Searches show just as many posts saying an alinement is NOT necessary, as there are posts that say it IS. I really do not know what the correct answer is. :frown2:

Jim

 

I err on the conservative side, and also the side that the standard alignment is generally not very good anyway.

Though to get the "good" alignment that I like I needed to buy a few parts (camber plates and rear control arms).

- Andrew

 

From your handle, I'm assuming that you have a '02 MINI Cooper S.

Here are the alignment specs. that were posted here in 2005, so they should be valid for your car.

MINI COOPER :: North American Motoring - Stock Cooper S Alignment specs

Dave

 

If the suspenders are stock all that can be set is the toe. Adjustable camber plates & rear arms add camber adjustment. 05 & 06 have a bit of camber adjustment in the rear from the factory. I was able to dial out 1/2 degree of camber out of the the rear of my 06.

 

I suspect the same. Let us know what you find out once you hit the rack.

 

pays to have it checked, or in this case you didn't pay :cornut: