I bought my car used. I dont have a clue as to what all was done to it tho there are a few hints..


It has an adjustable rear sway bar. My boy noticed that the rear wheels are tipped in at the top more than I think they should be. The tires look to be wearing more on the inside so I think it is too much..

Do I need camber plates or adjustable control arms to correct this?

Want to get new tires and wheels if I can make up my mind as to the style I want.

Also I hear a whistle noise at a little more than neutral throttle.Like a vacuum leak sound.I believe it is something associated with the super charger system. Is this normal? No lights on so dont think its a vacuum leak. Normal???

 

Regarding the excessive negative camber in the rear, check and make sure that you don't already have aftermarket adjustable control arms.

There's not much camber adjustability in the stock rear suspension (none at all in the 2002-2004, and only a smidgen in the 2005-2006), so if the tops of the tires are noticeably tipped-in and you're getting excessive inner-edge wear, then maybe the previous owner put on adjustable control arms, or you have excessive wear on the rear shocks.

 

I dont think shocks are bad. only 25000 miles.The struts are factory as I can see the mini stickers..Springs I dont know tho. They are black so I figured they are stock but just guessing. Someone spent some money on this car making me think something is different in the setting of the suspension..

 

What year is your MINI? Like I said earlier, if it's a 2005-2006, there's a little bit of rear camber adjustability via an eccentric cam at the lower shock mount - you could start there to see if you can take some of the negative camber out.

 

Its an 06 Scott.

 

If the previous owner installed lowering springs, that would cause your negative camber. The only way to get rid of the camber would be to install adjustable lower control arms in the rear, or go back to OEM springs. You might also have an alignment done. Camber doesn't necessarily cause excessive wear, it's toe that is the real killer.

 

Bet the car is lowered.
Whistling sound is bad....a boost leak or vacume leak....just need to track it down.
The SC whine is different, so unlikely you are mixining it up with the extra noise from a CAI ...

 

So no whistle sound supposed to be there....that sucks. It doesnt make the noise at idle so I figured that it was the BOV. Well I will go look at ti and do some spraying...Thanks jim

ps. I know the whine of the super charger.not that lol!