1st Gen R53 Cooper S Odd problem

Discussion in '1st Generation: 2002–06 R50, R53 & 2004–08 R52' started by MCS02, Jan 22, 2015.

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  1. MCS02

    MCS02 Moderator
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    after my car has sat for a few days when you drive it it feels like a front tire is flat spotted. It started by doing this only the first few minuets you drive it and I really didn't notice it till I would get on the highway. Last week it did it all the way home. Also last week I noticed that if its cold out when I turn the steering wheel it creeks kind of like me when I first get up. It all goes away after driving for a while. It does not happen when I am home and driving it every day.
    My tires are in good shape and are inflated correctly. Any ideas? I have about 130k on it and all I have done to the front end is Powerflex control bushings.

    Also while I am at it a friend is bringing me there Gen2 S to look at. Its making a whistling noise. I thought I would ask now to see if any gen 2 guys have seen this. I believe its a 09 but can't remember.

    Thanks.
     
  2. Metalman

    Metalman Well-Known Member
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    In the winter months I'll notice the same thing...

    The car sits overnight in the cold... Of course the bottom is always formed as a flat shape (contact patch)....

    Start out driving.... The flexing of the sidewall construction causes heat to buildup.... Depending on the outside temperature.... The heat created by the flexing of the tread and sidewalls of the tires gradually allow the tire to eliminate the flat spot that was created when sitting stationary over night in the cold.... Time and distance would vary based on temperature....

    Construction of the tire also has an impact.....
     
  3. MCS02

    MCS02 Moderator
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    I have Bridgestones that must be it. I have a CV joint boot leaking. Its not ripped I just didn't get the clamp tight enough. I plan on pulling it back, cleaning it and regress it, but I don't believe thats it it must be the tires. I hope.
     
  4. Crashton

    Crashton Club Coordinator

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    Simple solution, park with the bottom of the tire on top. Simple clean solution. :wink:

    Sounds like flat spots to me. Drive more park less. :biggrin5:
     
  5. nkfry

    nkfry New Member
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    Ditto on the flat spot.

    As far as the G2 MCS, they are turbo cars, and a small amount of whistle on a stock car is normal, but this is a very blanketed question, as a lightly worn pulley bearing can cause a "whistle" type noise, as well as vacuum/boost leaks. As the N14 is a vacuum dependent engine you would most likely notice a stumble at idle, CEL, misfire codes if the leak is large enough, etc.

    Good luck on the diagnosis, let us know if we can help. :Thumbsup:
     
  6. Dave.0

    Dave.0 Helix & RMW Powered
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    #6 Dave.0, Jan 22, 2015
    Last edited: Jan 23, 2015
    Yeah my tires get like that in the Winter also. Jack stands help if your not moving it for a while.
     
  7. MCS02

    MCS02 Moderator
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    Thanks everyone! I'll see what I find on the other MINI in a few days.
     
  8. Sleek Motoring

    Sleek Motoring Local Shop Owner

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    I've seen CV axles cause vibrations/off balance/ flat spot symptoms when they are failing. I wouldn't be so quick to think its just flat spots.

    Noticeable flat spots seem to take a fair amount of time to develop. Does the feeling go away at different speeds?
     
  9. MCS02

    MCS02 Moderator
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    No not really. its constant. it goes away after I have driven a few miles. It seems to take longer now. I am just hoping that the boot that was leaking didn't through all the grease out. I am going to check it this week.
     
  10. Code3_Mini

    Code3_Mini New Member

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    You do know what the quickest fix for this is, don't you? Here it is: don't stop driving it! Problem solved. You may (will) need an I/V drip of a mixture of Coffee and Red Bull, but by golly those flat spots will be a thing of the past ;)
     

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