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My buddy Don is running those on 16's on his 2006 JCW and really likes them. Since this isn't a competition car you're after decent wear, a quiet ride and good wet performance as well as dry. He loves his - got them at Costco tho.

They're strictly summer tires for him too, he runs Blizzaks in winter.

#94

Maintenance and Modifications / Re: Wheel bearings?

Last post by MiniDave - October 03, 2026, 12:56:29 PM

I think there is supposed to be absolutely zero play in the front bearings, as that's what the spacer in the middle is for, to set the preload.

But sometimes it's wear in the hub flange that causes it, not the bearings, so you need to look at that closely.

#95

Daves Garage / Re: Mini ST Hotrod

Last post by MiniDave - October 03, 2026, 12:38:14 PM

Yesterday I picked up the mate to the black leather seat from Dan, it was a bit moldy from sitting so long, but a sponge and some Lysol spray took it right off, then I soaked it down with some leather conditioner.

Once I can get some help I need to lift it into the hot rod and see how it fits with the door beams in place. Seemed like the right side fit ok, so I'm hopeful they'll both work. BTW, if someone can identify what car these came out of I'd appreciate it - BMW? VW? I don't think they're from anything American or Japanese....I can tell you that they're pretty comfy to sit in, and they even have lumbar adjustment.....all manual, no electrics.

I also got the rest of the Sports Pak arches....it's curious - this car had a set from the factory, and the right side rear arch holes lined up perfectly. However, the left side doesn't even come close, so I'll need to drill some new holes at some point. Just setting it in place to check how the other wheel fits and I'm happy with the look. Next I'll go ahead and build up the front end and see how those fit, whether I'm going to run 6" wheels or use the other half of this 7" wide set.

I also need to remove the springs from the rear shock then re-install them so I can move the wheels all the way up to the end of their vertical suspension travel, I may need to trim al little out of the inside of the arch for tire clearance.

The front fenders have been replaced so I'll need to figure out where those holes go and drill them from scratch.

#96

Daves Garage / Re: Jeff Shaw Gearbox build

Last post by MiniDave - October 03, 2026, 12:25:46 PM

Jeff picked up his gearbox today, he probably won't get to mate it back to the engine for a few weeks or a month yet.

Happy to get that out of my shop so I can get back to work on some of my projects.

#97

Maintenance and Modifications / Re: Wheel bearings?

Last post by MPlayle - October 03, 2026, 11:44:04 AM

Yes, the front is disk brake hubs. I think I last did close to 150 ft-lbs, then to the next slot in the castle nut for the cotter pin.

To hold everything, I usually do it with the transmission in reverse and the engine locked by using my flywheel locking tool through the started hole.

#98

Maintenance and Modifications / Re: Wheel bearings?

Last post by 94touring - October 03, 2026, 11:38:51 AM

Disc brake hubs? What ft lbs and method did you use to torque them?

#99

Maintenance and Modifications / Wheel bearings?

Last post by MPlayle - October 03, 2026, 11:37:00 AM

When I added the wheel spacers to the rear of my Mini (unspacered rear drums with front disk brakes), I checked for play in the rear bearings/hubs and repacked the bearings while I had the hubs off to install the longer studs.

I recently noticed a shimmy/vibration apparently from the front (noticeable in the steering wheel) that starts about 65-70 mph. It is still present after ensuring the wheels are balanced.

Today I went out and did some checking for play in the fronts and found if I grab top & bottom of the wheel and push the top while pulling the bottom style rocking, there is the faintest of play - just barely enough to feel. It appears to be in the hub as watching the ball joints while doing the rocking shows no movement there, but the movement does appear at the hub.

Is this a sign my front wheel bearings are going to need replacing soon?

If so, I will add that to my list of projects/tasks for during the turbo install.

Edit: The only "play" is the very faint up/down. There is no in/out play.

#100

The Lounge / Re: What did you do in your sh...

Last post by MiniGene - October 03, 2026, 09:19:25 AM

That MINI looks mean! (I say that in a good way)

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