1st Gen R53 Cooper S Thumping suspension, left steering a bit wobbly

Hello everyone,

The other day I ran over a pothole with the passenger side front wheel of my '02 MCS with Sports suspension.

*I still can hear the huge bang sound in my head*

Fortunately the rim and tire didn't show any damage, but apparently the right side of the suspension got a bit of damage.

Ever since the incident I can hear a thumping sound when I ride over uneven pavement and speed bumps, apparently over the front/right side of the car.

My Mini still rides straight if I let go the wheel while coasting or at constant acceleration. But if I suddenly accelerate harder, then the car swerves a bit to the left.

Also I noticed that while speeding and turning hard to the left, the suspension feels wobbly, but if I do the same to the right, then it feels solid as it should be. (Also must mention that it feels like it's been degrading over time).

I know I need to have it checked by my mechanic asap, but that will not happen until at least a couple of weeks (very tight working/family schedule), so if you can provide any feedback on what part of the suspension most likely causes that wobble, I will appreciate.

The following are the things I've already fixed suspension-wise (before the incident):

1. Both front wheel bearings (they where noisy)
2. Both front strut mounts (they where broken and thumpy).
3. A bit of 'mushrooming' was fixed with a sledge hammer.
4. Both front control arm bushes.

Any ideas and suggestions?

Thanks and have a great day!

RayanMX

 

Thank you both for your clues...

I tried to do the bounce thing, but since my car comes with the sports supension it's really, REALLY hard to accomplish that bounce manouver by hand. I even asked a friend to help me bounce it, but even both of us barely moved it an inch with no sound at all. Believe me, this suspension is really hard and low to the ground!!!!

I think I will get a couple of those towers (or bricks lol) to seat the car so the suspension falls under gravity and maybe then I will notice any loose part, but your suggestion makes a lot of sense.

However, a few years back, on another car I had, the same thing happened with the same steering behavior and turns out it was a bad wishbone rubber mounting (here's hoping).

Other things I suspect:

Control arm ball joint?
Stabilizer arm link/joint?

Thanks again for your ideas!!!

Cheers!
RayanMX

 

The last time I did suspension work, my mechanic didn't say anything about that, but it's been about six months since then, and then again maybe he didn't noticed. But yes, an 02 must have worn them out by now.

So if the control arm bushings are worn out, that type of wobbling is to be expected?

Thanks again!

- RayanMX

 

Hmmm, sounds interesting... I will have them check the front end link once I manage to get the Mini in for inspection and repair.

Can you elaborate a bit more on what part is that?

Thanks again everyone!