Ask the expert
“A dramatic improvement in ride quality can be achieved by simply changing the standard original springs”
TOO HARSH
Q I love the handling on my Mini, but after years of suffering with a bad back, it’s now getting to the point where every drive is followed by days of serious discomfort – I think the ride may be too harsh for my ageing spine!
A I really can’t bear the thought of being unable to drive my Mini – or worse still, having to part with it – so are there any changes you could recommend to make the ride just a little more comfortable?
Richard
A You don’t say how old your Mini is, so we’re assuming it’s fitted with dry, rubber cone suspension. Hydrolastic suspended cars were lauded for their more compliant ride, but some complained that it was too ‘wallowy’ and took away the pin sharpness of the dry suspended Mini. Hydro cars were only built between 1964 and 1969, and today, spares are scarce and expensive. It’s not really a candidate for retro fitting.
However, there are a number of options available in alternative Mini suspension these days — uprated rubber springs including the Smootha Ride kit developed by the suspension’s original designer, Dr Alex Moulton, various coilover damper kits, and even coil springs to replace the rubber springs where they are fitted as standard.
A dramatic improvement
