HOME SERVICE
We show you how to maintain your Mini’s perky performance and poised handling
THE PC JOB CARD
Today we’ll show you how to service your classic Mini. These diminutive cars evolved significantly between 1959 and 2000, so track down a manual or handbook for specifications relating to your exact model and use it un conjunction with this guide. Some Minis are equipped with Hydrolastic suspension. This operates at very high pressure and is potentially dangerous when depressurised incorrectly. Work on the system requires specialist equipment and knowledge.
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1 Front lubrication
Grease nipples are located on the top and bottom swivels on each side, and on the inner pivot of each upper suspension arm. Wipe the nipples and replenish with lithium-based multipurpose grease every 1000 miles. Some models don’t have nipples.
2Steering
Inspect the gaiters on the steering rack and balljoints. Renew if damaged, to prevent the ingress of moisture and dirt. Lubricate the rack assembly if fitting new gaiter(s). Check for wear in the rack, which will result in vague steering and MOT failure.
3Driveshafts
Raise and support the front of the car and spin each wheel in turn. Inspect the CV boots for deterioration. Examine the inner rubber ‘spider’ joints too. Drive slowly on full lock in each direction and listen for knocking from the CV joints.
4Suspension
Rubber suspension: inspect the cones for deterioration and the mountings for corrosion. Hydrolastic: examine the pipework and displacer units for deterioration or leakage. Take extreme care working around the pressurised system, which must be depressurised before any work is undertaken.
9Steering column
Check that the steering column clamp bolt is correctly installed and tight.
10 Front wheel bearings
Elevate and rock each front wheel to check for play (don’t confuse with play in the upper/ lower swivels). Feel for roughness while rotating. Lubricate with wheel bearing grease. Check the tightness of the main hub nut.
11 Clutch adjustment
Detach the return spring from the lever on top of the clutch housing and check that free movement to the stop is approximately 0.020in (0.5mm). oil the lever pivot.
12 Hinges and catches
Apply a little engine oil or aerosol grease.
13 Body structure
Inspect closely for corrosion, particularly sill assemblies, floors, bulkheads, A-posts, floor pans, rear subframe, boot floor and battery box. Clean thoroughly and treat with underbody and cavity wax.
5 Front brakes
Drums: remove t
