1st Gen R53 Cooper S Strange clunking sound from the back

Discussion in '1st Generation: 2002–06 R50, R53 & 2004–08 R52' started by mrntd, Feb 4, 2014.

  1. mrntd

    mrntd Well-Known Member
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    When I go over bumpy roads or parking lots (lots of those around right now) slowly, 10mph or less, I get a clunking sound from the right rear. Once I'm up to speed there is no clunking. I've jacked up the car and checked for any loose suspension parts. I even re-compressed the suspension some and re-check. Nothing found.

    Any one have some new ideas?
     
  2. eMINIparts

    eMINIparts Well-Known Member
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    Rear sway bar bushings worn ?
     
  3. CHKMINI

    CHKMINI Club Coordinator
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    It could be the top bolt on the rear shock. I had that happen to me once on my R53.
     
  4. wmwny

    wmwny Well-Known Member

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    I had exactly the same thing happen at about this time last winter and it was the top bolt on my right rear shock. Fortunately, Crashton came to my rescue with two rears he had taken from his S, and I am still driving with them.
     
  5. Nathan

    Nathan Founder

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    Had a clunk in the rear too, mine was sway bar bushings.
     
  6. Dave.0

    Dave.0 Helix & RMW Powered
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    Like other have said rear shock bolt 75% of the time or rear anti sway bar bushings 25% of the time.
     
  7. ScottinBend

    ScottinBend Space Cowboy
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    In addition check the sway bar links.
     
  8. Crashton

    Crashton Club Coordinator

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    My MINI used to do that. Once the JCW suspension was installed it has been nice & quiet. So the fix is a new JCW suspension, Steven at eMINIparts.com can set you up. :Thumbsup:
     
  9. Justa Jim

    Justa Jim Well-Known Member
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    Had a similar thing. Lock nut on adjustable, rear, lower, control arm was lose.
     
  10. mrntd

    mrntd Well-Known Member
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    The bushings ware replace with the bar last spring. I'll check the shock.

    Thanks for the input
     
  11. Dave.0

    Dave.0 Helix & RMW Powered
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    Strange clunking sound from the back? Remove dead body from trunk. :lol::ihih:
     
  12. Firebro17

    Firebro17 Dazed, but not Confused
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    That'd more likely be a dying body, wouldn't it Dave?? :lol:
     
  13. Dave.0

    Dave.0 Helix & RMW Powered
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    ahhh details..... :p
     
  14. Onramp

    Onramp Enjoy the Hiways of Life!
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    Pull the shock OFF and check the bushings there. I had a lower shock bushing crumble on an E30. Probably was making noise on higher speed bumps but just couldn't tell over the regular road noise. Go over each component including where the control arm mounts to the body. Disassemble if needed to check. Also - do you have anything stored in the pockets providing access to the rear lights? Thought I had something buttoned down in there but the little bungie broke and the tool bag was leaking tools...
     
  15. mrntd

    mrntd Well-Known Member
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    Dave, you must have added a trunk mod to your MINI because the best I could fit was a dead midget (little people; pc)sark.
     
  16. Metalman

    Metalman Well-Known Member
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    Check for Trunk Monkey's...
     
  17. Apok

    Apok New Member

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    Dead hooker wasn't quite dead. I hate it when that happens....


    I have a funny story about dead hookers and the auto show here in Columbus. No actual hookers were hurt to make this story.
     

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