Run Flat Tires Question
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5th Gear
Joined: Nov 2007
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From: Dardanelle, AR
Run Flat Tires Question
I posted this over on the 2nd Generation Minis forum, but considering the lack of response I thought I'd post it here as well.
I took my Mini by my family mechanic this evening to let him have a look at it. He's never seen these cars before - thankfully I have quite a warranty time period for him to learn about it before he'll ever have to touch it! As he was checking out the tires (16" Run Flats), he said I needed to call the dealership because my alignment was off. He said that the tires felt "feathered toward the outer edges, which is caused by the car being out of alignment." I'm no car expert so I kind of have to go by what he says. However, he's not familiar with Run Flats. He had me feel the tires and feel the ups and downs that supposedly aren't supposed to be there. I'm thinking that, with as responsive as the car's steering is, I would know if the alignment was that badly off. Wouldn't I? I mean, a slight nudge on the steering wheel gets the car cornering on a dime.
So, before I call the dealership and schedule another 3+ hr trip to Memphis to get the alignment checked, is that "feathering" sometime innate with Run Flats, or does he have a valid point?
I took my Mini by my family mechanic this evening to let him have a look at it. He's never seen these cars before - thankfully I have quite a warranty time period for him to learn about it before he'll ever have to touch it! As he was checking out the tires (16" Run Flats), he said I needed to call the dealership because my alignment was off. He said that the tires felt "feathered toward the outer edges, which is caused by the car being out of alignment." I'm no car expert so I kind of have to go by what he says. However, he's not familiar with Run Flats. He had me feel the tires and feel the ups and downs that supposedly aren't supposed to be there. I'm thinking that, with as responsive as the car's steering is, I would know if the alignment was that badly off. Wouldn't I? I mean, a slight nudge on the steering wheel gets the car cornering on a dime.
So, before I call the dealership and schedule another 3+ hr trip to Memphis to get the alignment checked, is that "feathering" sometime innate with Run Flats, or does he have a valid point?
Coordinator :: Alabama Motoring Society & South East
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 10,170
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From: Burning-Ham Alabama
MINI's are notorious for showing excessive wear on the outside corners of the front tires. This is a consequence of the MINI's incredible ability to turn sharply.
Your alignment on a new MINI is probably just fine, but only the alignment machine can really answer the question.
But I'll bet a dollar that your alignment is within normal specs.
Your alignment on a new MINI is probably just fine, but only the alignment machine can really answer the question.
But I'll bet a dollar that your alignment is within normal specs.
I have a friend who owns a shop in Springdale and the first time he saw Stella, he commented on how the back tires look like they lean out. (he had a technical term, I just don't know it) So we put her up on his fancy alignment rack (what a process! had to put weights in the boot!) and come to find out...the alignment was perfect. So I think it is normal.
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5th Gear
Joined: Nov 2007
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From: Dardanelle, AR
Thank you for the quick answers! This guy has never worked with Minis nor has he ever dealt with Run Flats, so it's not surprising that the tires appeared faulty to him. I guess I'll wait and see if I notice a shimmy before running back to Memphis and having the dealership check him.
Btw Mrs. Mini, did the pictures ever work for you?
Btw Mrs. Mini, did the pictures ever work for you?
And I am having a hard time staying motivated at work today.
6th Gear
Joined: Dec 2004
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From: Overthemountain, AL
Also you might run by any local tire shop & have them look at your tires. I am sure they can quickly tell you if you have any unusual wear & I doubt they would charge you anything for it 
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6th Gear
Joined: Dec 2006
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From: Hot Springs Village, AR
I brought my new MINI by our mechanic (partly because he'd lost a long time BMW patient), and he noticed the edgewear. 'Course, I had to explain about the autocrosses we'd been running...
OVERDRIVE
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 7,037
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From: Melbourne, FL
alignment....
You'll be much better off in the long run to find a good local alignment shop...I'd never trust a dealer for that (or tires either)
alignment isn't going to be covered under warranty or pre-paid maintenance either.
note tho I said a good alignment shop....ask around. Using the best of equipment but not putting effort into it still results in a crap job. Last time I had mine done, at a shop that specializes in setting up BMW race cars, I went back cuz I didn't like it. Owner had no problem with that....just put it back on the rack and rechecked. it WAS off .... face it, there are kids working in the back on many of these tasks but a good shop will make it right.
Often the best shops are little hidden away shops that the hard core folks know about .... occasionally a chain, but imho that is an exception.
alignment isn't going to be covered under warranty or pre-paid maintenance either.
note tho I said a good alignment shop....ask around. Using the best of equipment but not putting effort into it still results in a crap job. Last time I had mine done, at a shop that specializes in setting up BMW race cars, I went back cuz I didn't like it. Owner had no problem with that....just put it back on the rack and rechecked. it WAS off .... face it, there are kids working in the back on many of these tasks but a good shop will make it right.
Often the best shops are little hidden away shops that the hard core folks know about .... occasionally a chain, but imho that is an exception.
+1 for Capt BJ. Have the alignment checked at a good alignment shop. Should cost between $60 and $100 or, if you know them really well and bring beer, somewhat less than that if you come after hours 
Also, all other things being equal (tire compound, etc) there's no appreciable difference in tire wear for runflats vs. "regular" tires, it's only that the sidewalls of the runflats are stiffer. While this contributes to a stiffer ride and (some would argue) a somewhat more "responsive" feel to the steering, it (by itself) won't cause edge feathering.
Minis run "negative camber( at the rear, and a little at the front. If viewed from the front or back of the car, that means the tires
look like this: /------\ (that's exaggerated)
Feathering can be caused by either negative camber (which our cars have) or excessive toe-in or toe-out (which our cars shouldn't have).
When viewed from the TOP,
toe-in: /-----\ (makes car over-responsive, rather twitchy)
toe-out: \-----/ (makes car sloppy)
Hope this helps. It's not the runflats.
Also, all other things being equal (tire compound, etc) there's no appreciable difference in tire wear for runflats vs. "regular" tires, it's only that the sidewalls of the runflats are stiffer. While this contributes to a stiffer ride and (some would argue) a somewhat more "responsive" feel to the steering, it (by itself) won't cause edge feathering.
Minis run "negative camber( at the rear, and a little at the front. If viewed from the front or back of the car, that means the tires
look like this: /------\ (that's exaggerated)
Feathering can be caused by either negative camber (which our cars have) or excessive toe-in or toe-out (which our cars shouldn't have).
When viewed from the TOP,
toe-in: /-----\ (makes car over-responsive, rather twitchy)
toe-out: \-----/ (makes car sloppy)
Hope this helps. It's not the runflats.
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5th Gear
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 615
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From: Dardanelle, AR
Thank you all for your informative posts. I believe I'll be getting him to a good body shop sometime next week to have the alignment checked, just in case. Glad to hear it's not an issue I'll need to make another 3+ hour one-way trip for!
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