Mini Magazine - Summer 2018

Tech
MINI
WORKSHOP
Tracking explained.
Repeat this step on the other side of
the Mini.
Now place a marker, perhaps a piece of
tape, on to each piece of string (be
careful not to deflect the path of the
string), precisely 40cm from the point
where the string touches the forward part
of the tyre.
Then place a second marker one metre
further away from the Mini, measured
from the first piece of tape.
This gives you two points of reference.
Measure the distance between the two
pieces of string at the first marker and
make a note of that distance. Then
measure the distance between the two
pieces of string which is another metre
“It’s easy for the inexperienced to think
a Mini is ‘crabbing’ when it is not”
further from the car. The first
measurement should be less than the
second measurement if the Mini has toe
out. Every 17.5mm of difference is one
degree of toe.
ADJUSTING THE TOE
When adjusting the rear toe, it’s also a
good idea to extend a line forward and
compare the distance between this and a
point on the seam at one edge of the
central crossmember, which is under the
seats. These distances should be the same
on both sides to ensure that the rear
wheels not only have the amount of toe
you are looking for, but are also straight
in relation to the Mini’s body. If they are
not, then the Mini will ‘crab’ - the back
end will not directly follow the front and
the car will travel a little sideways.
Don’t forget that the rear of your Mini
is narrower than the front, so if someone
is following you, it’s easy for the
inexperienced to think a Mini is ‘crabbing’
when it is not, as they will be seeing more
of the side of the car than they expect.
The string should touch the tyre wall but not bend around it.
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