I just took the mini down for a wheel balance. The guy was really sarcastic about the mini not believing it would go over 100k/h, or if it did I’d be thrashing the arse off it, and then telling me I’d be lucky to find new tyres unless they were NOS! I don’t know how some people stay in business, anyway the tyre fitter came in after balancing them and told me that the tread was lifting on both, but one was really quite bad (he showed me where). They are stamped MY 2015, and still have over 2/3 tread left. Anyone have any problems with these Yokos? Was there a bad batch? I’ll now have to replace them all I guess.

Sort out your A008s...but never go back there...and tell the Manager why if he asks!

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"Show me the Mini!"

Took the two fronts to the Yoko dealer and he spun them up and had a good look at them. He said the treads weren't separating, but they are both running out, and he's not happy with them. He checked the wheels as well, but the tyres are the problem. They were MY17 not '15 too, so they are still under warranty. Problem is they came with the car and I have no proof of purchase, when or where etc etc. So looks like up for 4 new ones full price. Interestingly he said they would have been like this from new, it's not caused by misuse or damage. Be interesting to see if the rears are same - bets on they are!

I should add that he spent at least 1/2 hour with me and re-balanced them both - and didn't charge me anything, even though I offered and was happy to pay for his time. So I know who will be getting my business.

wow, great business ethic, what's the opposite of name and shame? name and fame?

Did he skim the tyre treads rather than fiddle with weights?

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"Show me the Mini!"

No, but I’d indicated that I would be replacing them. I’ve got to have full trust in tyres - probably due to many years on sports bikes, never compromised on them. It did take out a lot of the vibrations. Only problem is no stock in Australia until September.

Lots of Motorsport people (for example) skim or shave tyres that are mass produced and have imperfections, if you need to add an inordinate amount of weight to balance the tyre...then, it is logical to remove heavy spots from the tread...

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"Show me the Mini!"

Hope they do a 4 for 3 deal when these tyres are in stock....got a set a few years ago - luckily all good and no problems with them so far.

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Cooper S Mk2
Cooper S Mk1
ex Cooper S Mk2, various Morris 1100s, 1300s, 1500s, Leyland Sherpa!

Of course, if the tyre has been so badly manufactured that the belts are de-laminating, then the supplier should probably by shot for trying to flog off sub-standard critical safety items...

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"Show me the Mini!"

He explained it as a manufacturing fault. Said it used to happen often with Australian manufactured tyres when steel belted radials first came out. It’s when the steel belts don’t align precisely with the tread, and as the steel is stronger than the rubber compound it pulls the tread off centre resulting in a tyre that has a run out at some point.

Fingers crossed hey I’m going to order them tomorrow so I’ll see if I can get that deal. I’m tempted to get new wheels too as I really like the ones with the black centres and polished rims (like Tim’s). I did get a price for painting mine last year - $100 a wheel though. I might have to start selling off some body parts. Anyone need a kidney or lung?

I don't know.... rattle can of gloss black, packet of steel wool, some cutting compound ...maybe $20 all up?

Cheers, Ian

Although, I had it a bit easier. Mate made up a rig consisting of a rear trailing arm, a fan belt, an old fridge motor and a wooden base to hold it together. Turned fast enough to polish but slow enough so you didn't have to constantly worry about sticking your fingers in the spokes...

That rig had part number AEG163rimjob

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"Show me the Mini!"

Over the years I did have 1 set of A008s that had 3mm runout. Can't remember what I did, maybe got replaced.
I had the same problem with Avon 13" steel radials on my Fiat 124 once too.

The A008 cases are very well made, I had a pair on mine for 20 years, then I gave them to Aaron for his khana car...

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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.

He should go into series production

Cheers, Ian