After finishing-up a rear pad install, and a caliper stiffening kit, I noticed that both trailing arms are flaking-off paint in the same area, as if they might be flexing a bit too much. Anyone else notice this on their MINI? I have about 31k miles, none it track, but a lot of canyon driving...

 

That looks to be very close to where my inside rim edge is and why I run a thin spacer with my 15x7.5, +43, SSR's. How close is your wheel lip to the trailing arm there? Or, if you have balance weights on the inside rim edge check the clearance there.

 

It's actually where the water sits after the car drives in the rain or you wash it. Since the water will just sit there, it eventually seeps under the paint and starts bubbling the paint and rusting the steel. I don't believe it's due to flexing. That's my observation. :smile:

 

Thanks for chiming-in guys!

I have 16x7 +42 (Volk CE28Ns), and there is about an inch of clearance between the arm, and inner rim. The weights don't stick-out to pose an issue, even if the clearance were less...

Indeed, the water puddling there crossed my mind. Remants of which can be seen in the photo above. The water level never gets that high though. If the base area paint was cracking, then that would make even more sense, as that spot receives the most contact to water...

I do feel that water in that area is compromising the paint for sure though. And with the inherent flexing due to stresses while driving, the pain is more inclined to crack, and flake off...

Either way, ofter MINIs get water there also, and I'm sure many others drive them as hard or harder than myself. If one or both of these is the cause (again, I have this on both arms), then other MINI's should have the same... I guess not. Thought-provoking... Thanks again.

 

I noticed a little rust there too Tony. Time for a touch up.

 

I will for sure touch-up both arms, probably with a Sharpie. The fact that both peeled at that exact same spot, and up high, above from where the water would rest... But, after looking at Nuzzo's cars this past weekend, he had no such indicators... I'll do the touch-up, and forget about it... :smile:

 

I noticed the same thing with my MINI as well. It's in the area where the trailing link is boxed with a plate welded behind the area. As beefy as the arm is, the fact that it's on the rear of a front drive vehicle and the lateral loading is taken by the control arms, I dont see this part getting flexed too severely in that area. In fact, it looks like the flaking might have been from the metal underneath the paint being oxidized somewhat by the welding and getting a 'head start' at rusting.

I'm going to touch mine up at first opportunity and keep an eye out for anything happening again.

 

Greatbear, thanks for the confirmation, and your thoughts. Always insightful! Oh, have a blast next weekend!!!