NCT

[clubmankev]

Hi all, had the nct today and came away with a failure on a suspension imbalance.
According to their 'equipment', the front axle showed an imbalance of 41%, with 30% being the limit, while the rear crept in at 29%, just acceptable. The strange thing is, if you rewind 2 years and 3000 miles, the readings were 9% and 2% respectively and if you look at the 2008 report (5000 miles ago) the readings are 3% and 7%.
Could it be that the rubber has deteriorated dramatically in the last couple of years, or could something else explain the dramatic increase?
I intend replacing the cones all round before the retest to be certain. It was on the list of jobs anyway, just it'll be done sooner than planned.
Any input or theories appreciated.

[DOUGAL]

I had the same problem with suspension imbalance on a Mini last year .
I done a few jobs on this Mini for a guy that worked in a D O E center .
He checked the imbalance on eheir tester ( which is the same as N C T one )
and readings well within tolerence . But N C T readings through the roof ??????
took it back to N C T ( done nothing to car ) and it passed .
The Mini ( being so narrow ) is hard to get on the tester just right .
Get it tested somewhere before u doo enything at least then u know if u have a problem .

[DaveC]

Also check that your tyre pressures are correct all round

[woody]

Hi-Lo not set up right can put extra weight on the higher corners.

[clubmankev]

Thanks for the replies folks, Tyre pressures were spot on and she is still sitting on the original fixed suspension, so no worries with adjustable bits. I'm still convinced it was down to the equipment or the way it was put onto the plates.

[DaveC]

Was it Fonthill?

[clubmankev]

Yes Dave, the very same.

[pn951]

On a normal car suspension imbalance is usually sorted by changing the shock absorbers as thats what they are really testing. Not sure on the Mini rubber cone setup though. As suggested, get a 2nd reading done.

[mgb1978]

As pn suggested above it is the shocks themselves that have the imbalance. They have to be replaced in pairs to eliminate the imbalance.
It's measured as much in the rebound as the compression, so the Rubber cones themselves won't really affect the readings.
In fairness the front shocks are probably the cheapest major suspension parts to purchase.
The funny thing is if both shocks were totally knackered the car would pass, as there would be very little imbalance

[macker]

As pn suggested above it is the shocks themselves that have the imbalance. They have to be replaced in pairs to eliminate the imbalance.
It's measured as much in the rebound as the compression, so the Rubber cones themselves won't really affect the readings.
In fairness the front shocks are probably the cheapest major suspension parts to purchase.
The funny thing is if both shocks were totally knackered the car would pass, as there would be very little imbalance

there's your answer right there!
take out the two front dampers and drive it in on the donuts

[clubmankev]

Thanks for all the useful feedback guys.
Ill get a fresh set of shockers for her and we should be laughing.