Radius Arm Bearings

The Mini has independent rear suspension comprising of a radius arm, shock & conical rubber spring. A shaft passes through the bearing at the front (left) end and is bolted to the rear subframe. The photo above is taken from the inboard side looking out, the wheel bolts to the other side of the drum brake. When the wheel moves up, the arm rotates around the shaft pushing the rod to the rear of the car, compressing the rubber spring. The bearing is in two parts, a needle roller bearing on the inboard side, and a bronze bush on the outboard side. In my case, the shaft at least is worn where both of these bearings run, leading to a small amount of play, so it's off to Lee at Minibitz for a new shaft and bearings.

I'm preparing the car for a motorkhana organised by the Mini Car Club of Auckland on the August 1, so I have to deal with a few loose things. I've also got to tie down the auxiliary battery, improve the throttle pedal mount, and improve the torque arm on the motor. The electric system ought to be a big advantage in motorkhana as it can go from forwards to reverse at the flip of a switch, and there's no faffing about with the clutch.