Hydrolastic units

[MiniGuy]

I've been advised that 2 of my units are shot and that I'd be as well replacing all 4. I would like to send them away to be tested but would I be right in thinking the mini couldn't be moved while they are out? Just pushed around a yard, that sort of thing?

[LarryLebel]

There are bump stops for for the body to ride on when suspension is collapsed, or missing as in your case. You should even be able to drive it under these conditions.

[MiniGuy]

Thanks for that. Can the pipe work for hydrolastic be replaced with the subframes in place and where is the best place to get replacement pipes from?

[MiniGuy]

Would it be ok to trailer the car home after the hydrolastic units have been removed? Journey of about 40 miles.

[Andrew1967]

The hydro pipes cannot be replaced with the correctly shaped steel/kunifer pipes with the subframes in situ unfortunately.

I got my pipes from Minispares, not sure, but I think they are the same as the MiniMachine ones. The fit is pretty good but a little fettling is required as with most things. Bending these pipes correctly from a length of tubing is not easy.

I see no reason why you can't trailer the car with no hydro units. Normally a block of wood between the top arms/ subframe and rear radius arms/body will give some ride height to make moving it easier.

[MiniGuy]

Is there a workshop manual that gives step by step instructions on removing the hydrolastic units?

[111Robin]

Is there a workshop manual that gives step by step instructions on removing the hydrolastic units?

http://mk1-performance-conversions.co.u ... _lists.htm

[MiniGuy]

Brilliant, thank you!

[Aussie Bill B]

I've been advised that 2 of my units are shot and that I'd be as well replacing all 4.

What is wrong with the displacers to make them "shot"?
They usually leak at one or other end of the hose, which is obvious to see, and can be repaired. They can also, rarely, seize up and not allow fluid in or out - they become rock hard with no suspension damping. Otherwise they continue to work for a long time.
Why do you need to replace all 4 if only 2 are "shot"?
Is the person who claimed 2 were "shot" also supplying and fitting the replacements?
Not saying anything.... just asking.......

[MiniGuy]

I've been advised that 2 of my units are shot and that I'd be as well replacing all 4.

What is wrong with the displacers to make them "shot"?
They usually leak at one or other end of the hose, which is obvious to see, and can be repaired. They can also, rarely, seize up and not allow fluid in or out - they become rock hard with no suspension damping. Otherwise they continue to work for a long time.
Why do you need to replace all 4 if only 2 are "shot"?
Is the person who claimed 2 were "shot" also supplying and fitting the replacements?
Not saying anything.... just asking.......

All good points and exactly what I was thinking myself. I'm hoping it's only the hose that has gone. I just want to get them all checked out and tested for peace of mind. They can be rehosed and tested for £95 each.

[Dr S]

For me I’d only strip the ones with issues. If they have to be rehosed then the new hoses won’t match. I’d keep as much as you can in place.

I may have a spare unit or two if needs.

[Andrew1967]

Agreed, as per my post on your other thread Miniguy