I just recently had my car returned from its sha-ken (MOT in Japan), and my mechanic said at the time that the hilos were “the old type.” I know he didn’t mean old, as in worn, but I think he meant old-fashioned.
Is there anyone here that can enlighten me as to how mine could be the old type, as I have no idea what is the “new type.”
(Hope this is the correct section).
The very early ones didn’t use the nut and bolt design that the current ones use. Instead they were adjusted using a long allen key that went through the subframe.
Have you got a picture of the ones fitted to your car?
Thanks Tupers, now I understand! Are they really that different, and the ride that much better, or can I stick with the ones I have? Sadly I don’t have any pics. To be perfectly honest, I don’t really know exactly where to look…!
The earlier ones required holes in the rear valance in order to adjust them.
If the bonnet was removeable it also made adjusting the fronts easier.
The ‘old’ or one should say original and homologated ones are the better type as they are designed properly… They have a fine thread which does not move and way more adjustment. The later ones have a courser thread which required the use of a lock nut, therefore reducing the adjustment range.
You can use a spanner through the arch to adjust them, but it easier if you have the hex tool
So the earlier type are more adjustable, just more difficult to do so. OK; it seems to me that my mechanic wants me to have an easier, less adjustable system fitted, probably bought through him…I only asked as I wanted my car lowered a little, and when it came to collect, it seemed as if he couldn’t be bothered, or had forgotten. So, can I still use the “old” type for years to come, or will I need to change eventually?
Thanks for the replies, it’s all appreciated!
You’ll be fine with what you’ve got. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it 
Link here to the original Hi-Lo:-
http://www.theminiforum.co.uk/forums/topic/237797-period-ads-archive/?p=2617559
The originals are a pretty good design and no need to change them just because someone says they need changing.
One thing that I will point out that can go wrong on any Hilo, new or old, is on the fronts, if they don’t have a drain hole and the rubber cone gets water in it then the adjusting bolt can rust and the hilo body corrode, seizing the adjusting bolt. Often this results in having to drill the centre bolt out and replacing it or replacing the whole Hilo.
Wow, I go to bed, and three or four replies materialize!
It’s as I suspected; I shall have to get out and have a look, check their condition, sometime this week when I have a spare half hour.
Thanks very much, guys!
Edit: mab, that’s a very useful ad, thank you!
