Hi all!!

First post on Ausmini!! In the process of rebuilding a 1969 Cooper S! Really enjoying the challenges! It's my first restoration!! So far so good! Ran into a bit of an issue today, I torqued up the rear radius arm pivot shaft nut and the left radius arm became very stiff. The other one is fine. Anyone have any ideas?! The bearing felt fine...no movement in the shaft. Thanks!! Steve

The arm is slightly shorter than the shaft shoulder distance so it shouldn't bind. Check the thick washer each end for damage.

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DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

Hi Steve!!
If the washers aren't damaged as the Doc say, some other things to look for:
Weld spatter on the subframe or bracket where the washer fits!!
Bush / bearing in the arm is fully seated!!
Make sure the end faces of the arm are smooth!!

Some of these repair kits are made in dodgy places now, best do your own QC before fitting.
I had one shaft that had about 30% thread engagement depth in the nuts.
Hardness varies too. You should not be able to file the corner of the shoulder, it has to be hard HRC61+ for the needle bearing to run on it..

If it's made wrong, take/send the b*astard back!!

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DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

You get different sized end washers on the front arms, I can't remember for the life of me is this the same on the rear?

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SooperDooperMiniCooperExpertEngineering

All garage work involves equal measures of enthusiasm, ingenuity and a fair degree of irresponsibility.

Thanks for all the replies!! Pulled the radius arm out and checked for all the suggestions, nothing out of the ordinary, one thing I did notice was the roller bearing in the arm had recessed into the arm, the shaft still feels fine in the arm so I can't for the life of me think how this would effect it but thought I'd mention it. I'm using adjustable brackets too, but again can't see how this would effect it! It's got me stumped!!! I have another arm lying around so I'll try putting that one in for a test fit!!! Thanks again for the replies and Merry Christmas!!!! Steve

Is it tight to slide the shaft in when off the car? If so perhaps the outer bush was not accurately reamed in line, or the shaft is bent.

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DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.