1st Gen R53 Cooper S Most liked posts in thread: Thumping suspension, left steering a bit wobbly

  1. BThayer23

    BThayer23 Well-Known Member

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    #2 BThayer23, Sep 6, 2011
    Busted strut? Sounds like if the car pulls one way under acceleration, the right/left sides are not loading/unloading at the same rate.

    Try popping the hood and pushing down (hard) on each strut tower. See if the car bounces back up the same way on each side. Stock spring rates are around 160 lbs/inch, so you'll have to really jump on it to get some movement.
     
  2. CHKMINI

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    #3 CHKMINI, Sep 6, 2011
    I vote for broken front strut as well.:sad:
     
  3. RayanMX

    RayanMX New Member

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    #4 RayanMX, Sep 7, 2011
    Last edited: Sep 8, 2011
    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
     
  4. Crashton

    Crashton Club Coordinator

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    #5 Crashton, Sep 7, 2011
    On an 02 the control arm bushings have worn to dust. What was left of them may have been pounded to oblivion when you hit the hole. Not really sure just trying an educated guess.
     
  5. RayanMX

    RayanMX New Member

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    #6 RayanMX, Sep 8, 2011
    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
     
  6. Crashton

    Crashton Club Coordinator

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    #7 Crashton, Sep 8, 2011
    I had my MINI into a reputable & highly regarded shop here locally. I specifically asked them to check the LCA bushings. I was told "oh they are just fine". At the dragon a month later I had Helix replace them with Powerflex. The oem ones were basically dust.

    My car did not wobble, but with the new bushings in there it really tightened up the steering. I could not believe the difference they made.
     
  7. Steve

    Steve Administrator
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    #8 Steve, Sep 8, 2011
    Sounds a little like the way my MINI acted when my pass. side front end link broke a few years ago, other than the swerve you're getting while accelerating...I don't remember it doing that.
     
  8. RayanMX

    RayanMX New Member

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    #9 RayanMX, Sep 9, 2011
    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!
     
  9. Steve

    Steve Administrator
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    #10 Steve, Sep 9, 2011
    End links, also called drop links, stabilizer links (there are probably a few other names I've forgotten). There's one on each side connecting the ends of the anti-sway bar to the struts. For future ref., it's the same at the rear.
     
  10. Metalman

    Metalman Well-Known Member
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    #11 Metalman, Sep 9, 2011
    Item #5 or #6


    [​IMG]
     
  11. jiminni

    jiminni Well-Known Member

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    #12 jiminni, Sep 9, 2011
    Last edited: Sep 9, 2011
    Ok im confused :confused5: in your original post you said in #4 that you replaced the front control arm bushings. Are they new or not? If not, then yes they can cause the symptoms you mentioned. If you can get the car in the air enough it's easy to check, grab one of the arm's near one of the front wheels and rock back and forth, they shouldn't hardly move. After I installed some Powerflex bushings they don't rock at all. And if your sure they have never been replaced they most likely need replacing anyway :cool: