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 Posted: Sep 4, 2015 03:37PM
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CA

Check that tie-rod to the ear on the front of the subframe...if that outside nut(nuts) has worked loose it will present as you have described the situation.  Ask me how I know...

 Posted: Sep 2, 2015 07:19PM
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key clue is that it was straight after the so-called alignment, and now it is not.

Something came loose.

first thing I would check is toe in/out.

 Posted: Sep 2, 2015 06:28PM
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US

collapsed brake hoses would have shown up with his temperature check of the wheels.

Was the car ever curbed?  A bent rear trailing arm will steer the car from the back.

Also, are you driving on a perfectly flat road?  Most roads are crowned and cars will drift right due to the road crown.

 Posted: Sep 2, 2015 12:37PM
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US

How old or new are the brake hoses?

Just went thru Collapased hoses on a car- brakes worked- but spongey - and in the end fluid wouldnt retract back from the cyls.

Slightly holding on the brakes,.

 

Worth a check

 Posted: Sep 2, 2015 11:15AM
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Well I tried my infrared thermometor on the hubs and calipers (Cold & hot, left vs. right)  Cold both sides were within a half degree of each other.  Hot, the drivers side (left) was about 5 degrees hotter than the right side (both hub and calipers).  I'm assuming this is because the radiator/fan is blowing almost directly on the wheel on the left side.  So it doesn't look like the right bearing is dragging or bad.

Alignment was done by a shop that specializes in imports.  Odd balls (Mini, jags, porsches, etc) are their specialty.  I've had them service the Mini and other sports cars for a few years.  I confident they did a correct alignment.  Hell, it was good for a few days, then it started to pull.

 Posted: Sep 1, 2015 04:38PM
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"Had alignment done"

what does this mean? most people cannot find anyone capable of doing alignment on a classic  mini. Did Robster do it?

 

 Posted: Sep 1, 2015 11:57AM
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what alignment settings did you use?

Mini's are like buses they come along in a bunch

 Posted: Sep 1, 2015 11:24AM
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Thanks guys, I'll double check the fittings.  Brakes were checked and are ok.  Doesn't pull when applying brakes.  Hopefully, it's a simple bearing fix.

 Posted: Aug 31, 2015 03:52PM
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CA

Check that the nut(s) on the outbord end of the control arm on the right has not worked itself loose.  Lengthening of that control arm would lead to pulling to the right and continue until the tire hit the inner wheel arch.  Not good.

 Posted: Aug 31, 2015 01:26PM
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I would check the brakes. You could have lose adjuster or more likely one of the wheel cylinders has sprung a leak and contaminated the brake shoes.

 Posted: Aug 31, 2015 11:49AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by GulleyGulley

I have a 79 mini with 10" wheels (165/70).  I just had new heavy duty tie rods installed along with a complete alignment (it was way out of alignment).  Car drove great for a few days then started drifting to the right.  Checked tire pressure and new tie rods, had alignment checked.  It was off a bit from settling.  Alignment re-done, still pulls to the right.  Tried rotating tires (tires have plenty of tread), still pulls to the right.   I'm thinking the tires may be shot from the car being out of alignment initially.  Any ideas before I go & buy new tires

Go for a ride and feel the hubs when you get back, if they are hotter on the right side you may have a bearing problem. I had a Mini once that pulled to the right with normal driving but not when braking and it turned out to be the right front wheel bearings were dry, i ended up replacing the bearings on both sides and everything was fine. What were your alignment specs ? If you have put the tires from the rear on the front with no change don't waste your money on new tires.

If in doubt, flat out. Colin Mc Rae MBE 1968-2007.

Give a car more power and it goes faster on the straights,
make a car lighter and it's faster everywhere. Colin Chapman.

 Posted: Aug 31, 2015 11:16AM
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I have a 79 mini with 10" wheels (165/70).  I just had new heavy duty tie rods installed along with a complete alignment (it was way out of alignment).  Car drove great for a few days then started drifting to the right.  Checked tire pressure and new tie rods, had alignment checked.  It was off a bit from settling.  Alignment re-done, still pulls to the right.  Tried rotating tires (tires have plenty of tread), still pulls to the right.   I'm thinking the tires may be shot from the car being out of alignment initially.  Any ideas before I go & buy new tires