1st Gen R52 Cooper Convertible Replaced engine mounts this winter now knocking noise is back!

Discussion in '1st Generation: 2002–06 R50, R53 & 2004–08 R52' started by TOPLESSMINI, May 11, 2016.

  1. TOPLESSMINI

    TOPLESSMINI Member

    Sep 1, 2015
    31
    11
    8
    Software Consultant and Training Specialist
    Kingston, ON
    Ratings:
    +11 / 0 / -0
    :mad2:

    I replaced both upper and lower engine mounts this winter and my knocking issue went away. Now, it's back. Sorta... kinda...

    This noise is very similar to what I heard before I changed the mounts. It's a sharp knock and when it does I can often feel it through the floor.

    I've been paying attention for a while now and I can't establish a precise pattern. It seems to happen mostly when I slow down when approaching an intersection (not all the time though). Sometimes I hear it when I accelerate while turning. Like when I back out of my driveway and start accelerating while turning into the street.

    The noise doesn't happen when I drive over bumps or potholes. It's a convertible so perhaps it's related to chassis flex?

    Steering rack was replaced by the dealer in 2014. I had the a couple of bushings replaced last year and I did the engine mounts.

    It's a real head scratcher...

    Anyone have suggestions or ideas?

    Could this be caused by the sway bar bushings? It sounds like the noise is coming from the front.
     
  2. Red Bull

    Red Bull Active Member

    Aug 9, 2014
    525
    208
    43
    Ratings:
    +229 / 0 / -0
    I had a noise like that and it was the swaybar end links. It would knock anytime I would "change direction", like starting to back up, then knock again when starting forward. Same with coming to a stop at a light and taking off again. I retorqued all 4 bolts and it went away.

    Also, did you replace your mounts with factory MINI mounts, or aftermarket? Maybe you got a bad mount, or it's loosening up and something is making contact from motor movement when accelerating and decelerating.
     
  3. ScottinBend

    ScottinBend Space Cowboy
    Supporting Member

    May 4, 2009
    8,767
    2,547
    113
    Bend, OR USA
    Ratings:
    +2,678 / 1 / -0
    And check the lca bushing.
     
  4. TOPLESSMINI

    TOPLESSMINI Member

    Sep 1, 2015
    31
    11
    8
    Software Consultant and Training Specialist
    Kingston, ON
    Ratings:
    +11 / 0 / -0
    Update on my knocking noise issue

    I dropped off the car at a local BMW/MINI specialist and he checked the front-end. There is nothing loose and all is within spec so the only thing left is the CV joint. Funny thing is I left the car there for a few days and it's barely doing the knock. I went out with the mechanic for a drive and I had to work hard to generate one and even then it was barely audible.

    I can get it to do it all day while driving around my neighborhood so it could be worse when the car is cold (I drove an hour and a half to the shop).

    Also, I never hear the knock when driving in a straight line (like on the highway). It just happens when I turn and accelerate or slow down but it's not caused by the engine mounts.

    Tech tells me to drive the car for a while and keep an "ear" on it. I don't drive much so it may not get worse for a while but if it does I'll get the axle replaced.

    I would have done it now but it's an expensive job (more expensive on the automatics for some reason).
     
  5. BlimeyCabrio

    BlimeyCabrio Oscar Goldman of MINIs
    Lifetime Supporter

    May 4, 2009
    3,532
    2,896
    113
    Professional Facilitator and Alignment Consultant
    Holly Springs, NC
    Ratings:
    +2,896 / 0 / -0
    Right or left axle?

    I don't know why the auto would be more, unless they just charge more for the part.

    I replaced a left axle at the track in about 20 minutes. Right takes maybe 30-45, if you need to swap the bearing carrier over. Don't let them take advantage of you. It's not a big job. Remanufactured axles and aftermarket replacements are available now, also, and are not expensive. I bought a NEW aftermarket left manual axle for $90 recently.
     
  6. MelloCooper

    MelloCooper New Member

    Jun 18, 2016
    33
    0
    0
    Plumber
    Mount Washington, KY
    Ratings:
    +0 / 0 / -0
    I replaced both my axles 3 weeks ago and it took me about 2 hours. I only really needed a impact for the axle nuts. My right boot split and dumped the grease out made a clicking noise in slow turns. Figured why not change both. I got Cardone axels for around $150 for the set. You can check out ModMinis YouTube he has a video on it.
     
  7. Guapish_Fliver

    Guapish_Fliver New Member

    May 31, 2016
    272
    0
    0
    Pimpin
    Da wess
    Ratings:
    +0 / 0 / -0
    For me it was the exhaust hitting. I can feel it in the floor like you were describing

    I don't have much clearance tho and get a ton of flex under load. If ur on a 2.5 exhaust it shouldn't be anywhere close unless ur rubber hangers are done... Maybe the exhaust migrated...
     

Share This Page