Suspension Brakes Suspension Question

Discussion in 'Tuning and Performance' started by Justa Jim, Dec 13, 2012.

  1. Justa Jim

    Justa Jim Well-Known Member
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    Developed a "click" sound coming from passenger's rear wheel well. Measured and noted that the right side is a "half inch lower" them the left. I have after market lowering springs and adjustable (rear) lower control arms. Any ideas????

    Jim
     
  2. Crashton

    Crashton Club Coordinator

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    Jack it up, use a jackstand. Pull the wheel & have a good look see. Something is not correct. Hope it is something simple.
     
  3. BThayer23

    BThayer23 Well-Known Member

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    When do you hear the click sound? Turning, accelerating, braking, over bumps, or only when you run over small sticks?
     
  4. jiminni

    jiminni Well-Known Member

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    Maybe someone put a card in your spokes :D Maybe a wheel bearing?
     
  5. Justa Jim

    Justa Jim Well-Known Member
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    I was thinking it was a easy answer, but now I realize it could be any of a number of things. Ii have a appointment to take it in on Tuesday.

    Ben, to answer your question it is odd. It seems to happen over a bump that causes the body of the car to move up and down or side to side. On a rough road, where only the springs and shocks are moving it is fine. Sometimes it is one click and other times it is a series of clicks (like something rattling).

    Jim
     
  6. Metalman

    Metalman Well-Known Member
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    I'ma bettin a loose swaybar end link....
     
  7. Justa Jim

    Justa Jim Well-Known Member
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    Would that cause the side to drop?

    Jim
     
  8. Metalman

    Metalman Well-Known Member
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    No, now that I think about it, probably not... Was focused on the clinking sound....

    I wonder if your lower shock bolt that attaches to the trailing arm has come loose?
     
  9. Justa Jim

    Justa Jim Well-Known Member
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    Don't know. I'll check it tomorrow and let it rest in the garage until Tuesday. :(

    Jim
     
  10. Dave.0

    Dave.0 Helix & RMW Powered
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    Good luck Jim I hope is "Justa" loose bolt.
     
  11. CHKMINI

    CHKMINI Club Coordinator
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    Jim, it's "Justa" nother reason for people to vote for Foggie to make him feel better:crazy::crazy:
     
  12. BThayer23

    BThayer23 Well-Known Member

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    That's interesting that it doesn't happen on little bumps. It may be something moving around on the body, too.

    It could be something like the trunk bump stops being out of adjustment, causing the latch to rattle. On my R53, the stereo amplifier is over there. One time, I didn't tighten it down all the way, and it rattled a bit.

    Try to isolate exactly what causes the rattle.
     
  13. BThayer23

    BThayer23 Well-Known Member

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    Also, I think the rattle and the height difference is unrelated. Just my opinion, though.
     
  14. quikmni

    quikmni Moderator

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    The height difference could be a couple things.
    - One spring has sagged more than the other. Some aftermarket springs sag more than others.
    - The top strut rubber bushing has compressed.

    As others have suggested, try to isolate the noise before ripping apart the suspension. There are many things that can rattle inside and outside the cabin. Maybe someone can drive the car and you sit in the back listening for the noise. Also, try putting the rear seats down because that lets noise transfer through the cabin better. Try grabbing various parts (sway bar, end links, springs, exhaust, rear hatch, wiring harneses, etc...) and wiggle them trying to replicate the noise.
     
  15. minime331

    minime331 New Member

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    I had a problem like this before. I had some used koni and tsw spring my problem was I didn't have all the hardware. I was missing the bottom washer that prevents the shock from traveling all the way through the rear bushing and the top of the shock was hitting the inside of the body making a clunking noise and a metal on metal scratching noise. Check that and make sure your bolt are fully tighten.
     
  16. Justa Jim

    Justa Jim Well-Known Member
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    I too was convinced it was the hatch. Checked and adjusted everything from bump stops, to wiring under the head liner, to taking everything out of the boot. Opened the hatch, stood on the sill and jumped, to really shake the car. Noise is coming from the right rear wheel well. Had to jump hard several times to get the noise, but that is where it is.

    Jim
     
  17. Crashton

    Crashton Club Coordinator

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    Jim this is an odd, but true story. :eek:ut:

    I chased a damn rattle noise on my MINI for a year.:mad2: Went as far as pulling the rear suspenders off that side & could find nothing.:mad5: Talked with a friend at the dealer & he told me to look at the rear brake pads. I couldn't understand that but desperation & knowing this guy really knows his stuff I pulled the caliper on the side making the noise. Looking back at be was the inner brake pad missing its spring that clip around the piston. Swapped in new pads & all was well. Might be worth a look Jim.
     
  18. Justa Jim

    Justa Jim Well-Known Member
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    Thanks Chuck. It could very well be something simple, which I hope. I use to have access to a lift, but no more, sadly. I'll just let them take a look on Tuesday. At least they can't give me any static for not being OEM anymore. Warranty is out. :D

    Jim
     
  19. minimark

    minimark Well-Known Member

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    Check the rubber exhaust hangers, two in the middle and four in the rear.
     
  20. BlimeyCabrio

    BlimeyCabrio Oscar Goldman of MINIs
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    I had a similar-sounding click... One of the locknuts was loose on a control arm.
     

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