Classic Mini - 93 Mayfair. Tyre rubbing when cornering

[abilicious]

Hi all

I recently purchased a 93 Mayfair (which is our first mini)- one previous owner, very good condition with full history that has been well looked after (it has been serviced every 6 months regardless of mileage which is just under 40k).

I put some second hand alloys on it (mini lite style) with it's current tyres on them. As 2 of the tyres were new, I had these put on the front (tyres are 145/70/12) but found they rubbed slightly on the drivers side when cornering to the left. After switching the wheels around, so the more worn tyres are at the front the problem has stopped. Upon closer inspection It looks as if there is slghtly more clearance between leading edge of the tyre and arch on the passenger side.

The tie rods do not look bent although the rubbers to the fixing behind the front the valance do looked as if they are compressed/cracked. Could this cause the problem?

Also wondered whether the subframe can become un-aligned? Is this a common problem or unlikely.

There appears to be no effect on the cars handling and I see this only becoming an issue when I have to change the tyres. My thoughts are that I can put 165/60/12 tyres on the rims which will allow for the extra tread depth as the profile will be 10mm less but would appreciate any advice you can give me.

On another note, and also for the future, I have read that a stage one kit can improve the performance significantly, but am sure I saw a note that said not advised for cars with a catalytic converter. Why is this, and is there an alternative that will give similar results?

Sorry for all the questions but I really want to get the best from our mini

thanks in advance

Mr A.

[TWR]

Hi, are the new Tyres /Rims the same size? did you have this problem with the old Tyres / wheels? If not your problem lies with your new alloys. Have you checked the for distortion? check the side of the rims for kirb damage / repairs.

[abilicious]

Hi- thanks for the reply..
The tyres were on the original wheels and I had them swapped over to the alloys (these are not damaged). The only thing different was I had the newer ones put at the front of the car. Because they were newer and had more tread it caused the rubbing. Swapping the more worn tyres back to the front solved the problem.

The newer tyres were a different brand to the more worn ones, so also wondered if the profile could have been slightly different.

[TWR]

Hi, Re-reading your plight
check under the bonnet on the N/S can you see any signs of the car been in a N/S bump? check the sealant within the inner wing & the wing, check if there are signs of a hew wing been put in place, check the colours of the wing, inner wing, door pillar can you see any signs of work been done & the gap between the door & the inner wing ( Over spray) If the car has been in a collision the signs will be there.