1st Gen R53 Cooper S VibraTechnics motor mounts: more NVH?

Discussion in '1st Generation: 2002–06 R50, R53 & 2004–08 R52' started by fridayxiii, Feb 8, 2017.

  1. fridayxiii

    fridayxiii Member

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    In Oct. last year I had the torque link and gearbox end OEM motor mounts replaced with VibraTechnics, and since then, I notice more vibration from the front end under WOT, especially in 4th or 5th gear. At cruising speed (even 100+), the car feels solid & steady, I just feel the shake when I pin the fun pedal.

    I had the passenger side upper motor mount changed to VT 2 or 3 years ago when the RMW shorty header was installed, and no side-effects from that. I'm kinda surprised to feel more vibration from the additional two VT mounts. (I thought the engine and car would be more stable/solid with better mounts.)

    Are these vibrations a bad thing, something to be worried about long-term?
     
  2. Savvy

    Savvy Well-Known Member
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    I've been running all three for several years now. Done in similar stages... upper first, lower and Trans mounts a bit later. Never had an issue with weird vibrations. I did yank the circuit board in the rear view mirror and tucked it into the headliner. But more so for noise..... nothing felt through the pedals.

    If your feeling it under power and not at cruising speeds... I'm inclined to think you have an issue with your driveline or wheel bearings somewhere.
     
  3. fridayxiii

    fridayxiii Member

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    Thanks Savvy. Dave.0 said something similar on the RMW forums: wheel bearings or drive axles. I'm taking her in next week to have my trusted wrench take a look & get it sorted.
     
  4. Savvy

    Savvy Well-Known Member
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    No worries. If you're running "driveshaftshop" axles... I'll put money on them being toast. Mine only lasted about 25k that I milked to about 30k. Then needed to have them replaced at Fontana two years ago.

    They would give a wicked vibration under spirited acceleration... but then during my drive to the dragon two years ago, at highway cruising speeds... it was unbearable. So, my car was essentially sidelined for the first half of the week, until Jan showed up with his replacement axles for me. Almost 2 years... close to 40k miles... no issues.
     
  5. Dave.0

    Dave.0 Helix & RMW Powered
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    ^^^^ yup had the same issues with DDS axles. Switched to Jan's for the speed we drive. :devil: :Thumbsup:
     
  6. rkw

    rkw Well-Known Member

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    You didn't explain why you did that. Because the mirror was vibrating?
     
  7. Savvy

    Savvy Well-Known Member
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    #7 Savvy, Feb 9, 2017
    Last edited: Feb 9, 2017
    The circuit board inside the mirror would rattle like a muthafukah at my various cruising speeds around 2,200 - 2,500rpm. At first I thought it was in the dash... but a buddy managed to pinpoint the mirror for me. It took a little finesse to crack the mirror open and get the board out. But was totally worth the silence it gave me.

    I ended up wrapping the circuit board in bubble wrap, and just tucking it into the headliner. Lost a little bit of distance for unlocking the car but not enough to deal with the angry rattlesnake in the mirror.
     
  8. Dave.0

    Dave.0 Helix & RMW Powered
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    :Thumbsup::Thumbsup: Thanks for helping me do the same mod to my car. :Thumbsup::Thumbsup:
     
  9. fridayxiii

    fridayxiii Member

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    My axles are OEM/stock AFAIK. The car is 11 years old (11.29.05 build date), but I know I haven't changed them since I bought it in '10. My wrench works at the local MINI dealership but does jobs on the side, and knows modded cars which is why I use him.

    My car is lowered 1" all around on H&R sport springs. Any recommendations on axles -- hopefully reasonably priced and someplace available to ship quickly?
     
  10. Savvy

    Savvy Well-Known Member
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    If your wrench works at the dealer see what kind of price he can get on OEM ones... but be ready for sticker shock. Next best thing... get Jan's RMW axles. Only thing is with Jan's, you need to transfer the bearing carrier over. Don't go for cheap on axles... You'll regret it.
     
  11. Dave.0

    Dave.0 Helix & RMW Powered
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    Just save yourself the time and money over OEM axles and buy Jans 500 HP axles. Much better made then even the OEM ones. :Thumbsup:
     
  12. fridayxiii

    fridayxiii Member

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    Thanks again Savvy, I definitely appreciate the advice! :thumbs: My guy gives me his price on parts, so I get something of a break there. I'm just not 100% sure if OEM will be OK with the slight lowering. I might hit up Jan to see if he has axles in stock and what his price is.
     
  13. Dave.0

    Dave.0 Helix & RMW Powered
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    He has them and the are less money then the best price you are going to get from the dealership. I have a guy at MINI that I buy parts from at cost. :ihih::Thumbsup:

    Also they are made to last and not fail like most MINI parts.
     
  14. fridayxiii

    fridayxiii Member

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    Quick follow-up question: with a 1" drop to the ride, would I have a problem if I go with OEM axles again? I'd like to get Jan's, but I'm on a deadline and have minor concerns about having his axles shipped from CA to FLA in time for installation before I have to pick the car up. So with the timeframe in mind, just wondering if I'll have issues with OEM if forced to go that route.

    The car is lowered on H&R sport springs with adjustable camber links in the rear, but no other mods up front.

    Thanks for the ongoing help fellas!
     
  15. Dave.0

    Dave.0 Helix & RMW Powered
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    My reply is on the RMW board but you will have no issues.

    My car is lowered but not STANCE lowered. :nonod:

    My car is still very functional. :lol::lol::lol::lol:
     
  16. MCS02

    MCS02 Moderator
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    My car is lowered. Been like that for more 120,000 miles stock axles, no problems. But Jan's would be better.
     
  17. fridayxiii

    fridayxiii Member

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    So I know that OEM parts are expensive, but the discounted price I was quoted on MINI axles was straight-up st00pid!!! :mad2::mad5::crazy: WAY more than the RMW axles.

    I placed my order with Jan for his RMW goodness and will have them installed next week. Appreciate the advice & replies from all. :Thumbsup::cornut:
     
  18. MCS02

    MCS02 Moderator
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    Good chose
     
  19. Dave.0

    Dave.0 Helix & RMW Powered
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    Nice :Thumbsup: Will we see you at the Dragon again this year?

    If so stop by the cabin again, have a beer and chill out by our Fire.
     
  20. Savvy

    Savvy Well-Known Member
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    Told you they were stupid expensive. How they sleep at night charging what they charge for those... is a bit beyond me.
     

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