So, I have read here on NAM that the 06 Cooper S has about 1/2 of a degree that can be taken out of the rear end camber. From 2 degrees to 1.5.

Problem is I can't locate an alignment shop to make these changes including a Mini dealership. They all tell me they have to set it to factory setting only.

So, it it worth all this trouble for a 1/2 degree or should I just rotate my tires more often and just enjoy driving?

Please let me hear your thoughts.

Thanks much, MiniKar

 

Rotate about every 5K and drive. That camber is in there on purpose.

 

I do rotate at 5 k but my soft Hankook UTOG 280 tires wear out on the edges.

Do I really need 2 degrees of rear camber; I'm not auto crossing just motoring.

 

Do you have stock suspension or a lowered suspension.

Once you lower the suspension you will have more negative camber which you can adjust using the stock suspension parts or by adding rear adjustable lower control arms.

About -1.3 to -1.5 degrees rear camber is fine for the MINI but more than that and you can wear the inner edges of the rear tire treads. You can reduce this wear a little by increasing tire pressure a few psi like 38-39 so that you wear the center treads more.

Depending on which tire you use you can also dismount the flip the rear tires to put the worn inner edge on the outer side but you should do that when the treads are not too worn out, perhaps when they are 40% worn.

If you go to a brake and alignment shop that works on track and race cars such as those that do autocross or track driving then they can set the rear camber to settings you want beyond the range of OEM.

Dealerships and common alignment shops will recommend only alignment settings in the OEM range due to liability.

And no you don't need or want -2 degrees rear camber for street driving.

 

seek out a 'performance shop'

in Norfolk area I was led to guy who just happened to be the #1 guy for the amateur BMW race crowd for a couple of hundred miles ......

A guy like this WILL dial you in .... but may be hard to find . . .

 

Specialty alignment shops will know how to adjust a car to your specs whether with OEM parts or upgraded suspension parts.

Just call and ask if they do "custom specs".

If you have an active autocross or track group in your area you can contact them and ask what shop they go to.

 

Minihune, I have the stock set up, not lowered so to remove the negative camber and get it to where it won't destroy the rear tires at about - 1.3 degrees, I will need to install the adjustable lower control arms ? ( Am I correct that factory camber is -2.0 ? )

Which brand lower arms are the best, I don't want to have to keep re-adjusting because the product won't stay as set ? Do the uppers also need changing or are they OK. . . .. .


Will the Mini still handle well with those adjustments ?

 

yes to get the alignment dead on what you want you will need some rear adjustable camber links. We use the Hsport as they are the most reliable and quiet.
http://waymotorworks.com/h-sport-rear-camber-links.html

Then we would set it to neg 1 deg or less and get the toe dialed in even. We found this the best way to decrease tire wear

 

I agree with Way, give him a call and he will let you know what will work for you.

You can run less negative rear camber and it will be fine and much better on inner thread wear. The MINI has a pair of rear control arms, one for camber and one for toe adjustments, just the lower one is fine.

Brands do vary in function, appearance, weight and price. I have the H sport and they are doing fine after 13 years of use.