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.
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ScottinBend Space CowboySupporting Member
And check the lca bushing.
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TOPLESSMINI Member
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). -
BlimeyCabrio Oscar Goldman of MINIsLifetime Supporter
- May 4, 2009
- 2,896
- Professional Facilitator and Alignment Consultant
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- +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. -
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.
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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...