An annual race car check-up should include a complete rebuild of the suspension systems. Bushings, bearing, brakes etc. all should at least be inspected and in many cases replaced. It is one thing to optimize the engine but unless you can corner and stop it will all be for naught. Listed below is a few parts you might consider: Race Quality Vibration Damper: This part is too often thought of as an item that needs to be inspected, rebuilt, or replaced.
4 Bolt Steel Main Bearing Caps: On all performance A series engines it is essential to ensure as accurate location of the center main bearing of the crankshaft as possible. Flex allowed here, especially at sustained high RPM levels, can cause spun bearings, crank or main cap breakage with severe or mortal damage to the engine.
Flywheel Keyway Washer: This Is yet another item not often considered during a rebuild; this washer is the interface between the flywheel and the flywheel bolt. A soft or worn washer could result in the flywheel welding itself to the crank!
Heavy Duty Axles: For the most part the Mini axle is very long lasting but that is not to say that you can neglect them. The problems are typically related to the splines at the CV joint end but personable I have found worn splines on both ends. If you can feel a step in the splines- it is time to replace them.
Rubber Suspension Cones: Rubber by it’s very nature does not go unchanged after years of use or abuse in a race Mini. It is not an item that can easily be checked or measured in any way but all the serious racers in the UK replace them at the end of every season!
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