Do I need spacers to install the fixed camber plates on a MINI with the stock suspension? I.E. what dones the stack look like for the Ireland Engineering fixed camber plates, on a MINI with a stock suspension?

 

No spacers are required. Re-assemble the struts the same way they come apart with the new camber plates. Be careful of a thin little cup washer that covers the bearing. It likes to stick on the bearing because of the grease.
Steve

 

thanks

 

Check your build date. Early '02s (<4/02) are a little different and don't work with the IE fixed plates.

 

Instead of starting a new thread on this. I have a lift reserved on Monday morning to try to get my IE Fixed camber plates and M7 STB installed on my car. I have an alignment appointment on Tuesday to reset the toe.

Both the mechanic that I work with and the alignment guy have not done work on MINIs before (besides my state inspection). Both are entirely competent, just concerned that we'll find we need some special tool or something to finish up. I am not aware of anything special we'll need at all. Do I even need to use a spring compressor? Any time estimates? I'm thinking about 2 hours for the install.

Also, I have a bit of mushrooming that I'll flatten out when we pull the struts. I assume just flatten to flat and I'll be relatively in the range of the factory camber (+ the 1.25 deg of non-adjustable negative camber from the new plates)?

Anything I'm missing?

 

A spring compressor may make things easier, but if you've got std springs I'd think you'd be OK (just be careful when disassembling). You might have to clearance the inside wheel well (IIRC it's dependent on build date and springs) I had to do this on my Jan '06 MCS, but I'm using TSW springs. Basically, there's a spot where the sheet metal comes in a bit (there are pics around here somewhere) and sometimes the spring will bind. Basically, you pound it in with a deadblow hammer, reapply undercoating and Bob's yer Uncle. Like I said though, I think you're good to go with stock springs, but figured I'd mention it just in case