1st Gen R53 Cooper S Help: grinding noise when accelerating hard....

Discussion in '1st Generation: 2002–06 R50, R53 & 2004–08 R52' started by CheckersSD, Mar 15, 2011.

  1. CheckersSD

    CheckersSD New Member

    Mar 3, 2011
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    I only hear mine when I floor it, generally 1st, 2nd, and 3rd I've noticed it. Though I have an auto so hard to tell sometimes, I just know heavy acceleration. Do I need to remove the exhaust to adjust the hanger?
     
  2. mini_racer

    mini_racer Well-Known Member

    May 4, 2009
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    Maybe, but I would take it one step at a time. Since you already have determined the passenger side front mount is bad that is step #1.

    Step #2: I would think the hangers on your aftermarket exhaust are pretty damn close to OEM so this is a last resort. Still, check that whole support is good as the rubber supports might be compressed, if so then replace them. This part on REALOEM:
    06 Rubber Mounting 2 18101174146 $21.41

    Step #3: The next step would be to get the poly bushing inserts for the lower dogbone mount. These come in various durometer. I would get the softest insert set available, and then still maybe install only one side of the insert as adding polyurethane here introduces more NVH than the upper mount.

    Lastly, I would:
    - adjust the hangers on the exhaust
    - Grind away some of the gusset on the X-Brace
    - Shim the rear mounting points on the X-brace to effectively lower it, maybe an 1/8"
    - not press the gas pedal too hard
    - Remove the X-Brace
     
  3. CheckersSD

    CheckersSD New Member

    Mar 3, 2011
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    I like all of those suggestions except not pressing the gas pedal so hard. Sometimes it feels necessary.

    Then again it did cost me this much to fill up on Tuesday. For a MINI!
    [​IMG]
     
  4. CheckersSD

    CheckersSD New Member

    Mar 3, 2011
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    Sorry duplicate post and I can't remove from tapatalk..
     

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  5. CheckersSD

    CheckersSD New Member

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    I am taking my car to have the pulley installed on Friday and they are going to install the engine mounts while they are installing the pulley. My question is, it was suggested to me that I only need to replace the lower mount at this time. Reason I am told is the twisting of the engine will be stopped by the replacement of the lower mount. They are going to install the BSH Street lower engine mount. Should I still have them install the TSW mount. The mechanic said I will experience too much NVH in his opinion if I install the TSW and BSH mount.
     
  6. mini_racer

    mini_racer Well-Known Member

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  7. CheckersSD

    CheckersSD New Member

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    yeah, I will go ahead and replace it then.
     
  8. quikmni

    quikmni Moderator

    Jun 6, 2009
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    I would replace the upper mount with TSW (to eliminate leaking) and use a stock mount on the bottom.
     
  9. CheckersSD

    CheckersSD New Member

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    It was suggested my Mynes I replace the lower mount with BSH and keep the upper mount TSW. Reasoning is the lower mount is more centered and will keep the engine from torquing where the exhaust will hit the x-brace.
     
  10. Mr. Jim

    Mr. Jim Mudshark
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    I'm gonna do the BSH lower and a new OEM upper as I feel the TSW upper may give too much vibration. BTW, I removed the x-brace yesterday and the noise is gone! Just waiting for the mounts from Way to put it all right again :)
     
  11. mini_racer

    mini_racer Well-Known Member

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    This is not consistent with my experience as stated in Post #42, but as usual.......YMMV
     
  12. CheckersSD

    CheckersSD New Member

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    This is exactly what I heard. Btw when you say mount youre strictly referring to the upper/lower engine mounts correct? Not some arbitrary mount for the x-brace?
     
  13. Mr. Jim

    Mr. Jim Mudshark
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    Yes, that is correct.
     
  14. CheckersSD

    CheckersSD New Member

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    The upper mount was totally shot, no fluid in it whatsoever. It must have been dry for quite some time. It is getting replaced while I am having some other things done.
    Namely: 17% WMW Pulley, NGK Plugs, DT Tensioner Strap, Bosch 550cc Injectors, Mynes Tune, New Upper motor mount, performance bushings for the lower motor mount.

    Base hp is 149 on the first couple dyno runs. Kinda high for an MCSa, but I do have a Magnaflow catback exhaust, GP IC, JCW CAI with Madness Filter, and kick ass Space Blue with Checkmate graphics. I think that adds 5hp alone. :Thumbsup:

    [​IMG]
     
  15. Redbeard

    Redbeard JCW: because fast is fun!
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    Dec 17, 2009
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    Glad it's getting sqared away!

    Sent from my Droid using Tapatalk
     
  16. CheckersSD

    CheckersSD New Member

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    me too. Thanks so much to everyone for the input and advice. I'm looking forward to getting some extra hp too!
     
  17. Mr. Jim

    Mr. Jim Mudshark
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    :Thumbsup: Have you driven it yet? Let us know the results against the x-brace.
     
  18. CheckersSD

    CheckersSD New Member

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  19. CheckersSD

    CheckersSD New Member

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    Here are some pics of the old engine mount:
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]

    Here is a video of the old mount: [ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IiTr99OJ4EA]YouTube - IMG_1123.MOV[/ame]
     
  20. Redbeard

    Redbeard JCW: because fast is fun!
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    281 Motorsport? Is there a Mustang in the shop there?
     

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