UNDERSIDE INSPECTION

20 CHECK EXHAUST

Check all exhaust mounts and hangers are secure and not perished or broken. Visually check along the entire exhaust system for corrosion and damage, as well as the flexisection near the front. If you have access to an inspection pit or ramp, run the engine and test the exhaust system for leaks.

21 FUEL FILTER RENEWAL

The fuel filter should be renewed every third oil service or 60,000 miles. It’s located underneath the nearside rear, concealed by an undertray. Detach its pipework (quick-release or Jubilee clips) and collect any fuel that leaks out. Undo a metal clip for its mounting. After fitting the new filter, switch on the ignition to allow the fuel system to prime itself.

22 CONTROL ARM BUSHES

With the rear of the car raised and supported, use a pry bar to lever against the inner and outer bushes of the lower control arms to check for excessive play. These bushes appear to be robust, but it’s worthwhile testing them as worn bushes can result in uneven tyre wear and poor handling.

23 REAR COIL SPRINGS

Visually inspect the rear coil springs for fractures in the coils. Do not touch the coil springs as you could trap your fingers. Look around the body of each rear shock absorber for signs of leaks. Check the rubber brake flexi-hose for leaks and perishing, and its brake pipe for corrosion and leaks.

24 CHECK FRONT BUSHES

At the front of the MINI, use a pry bar to check for excessive play in the lower arm bushes, particularly the rearmost inner mount and bush that’s prone to wear on older models and other BMWS, resulting in uneven tyre wear and poor handling.

25 CHECK GAITERS

Turn the steering to full lock or raise and support the front of the MINI and remove the front road wheels. Inspect the gaiters for the driveshafts and steering, pinching them to check for cracks. Make sure they are securely fitted. These can be inspected without having to remove the road wheels, but it’s easier with them out of the way.

26 FRONT COIL SPRINGS

Visually inspect the front coil springs to look for fractures, but don’t touch the spring in case you trap your fingers. Look at the gaiter around the body of the strut to see if it has split, but don’t touch it.

27 WIGGLE THE DROPLINKS

From within each front wheelarch, grab hold of the droplink on the end of the anti-roll bar and try to shake it to check for play in the balljoints. The anti-roll bar is mounted behind the engine, alongside the steering rack. Its D-mounts can be checked from inside each front wheelarch.