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MINI Cooper Steering and Suspension Questions

37 messages,  Last post on Dec 19, 2009 at 3:04 PM

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What is this discussion about? MINI, Steering, Suspension, Convertible, Hatchback

Messages Page 3 of 4

#20 of 37 MINI Cooper Steering issue - popping by acadimini

Aug 28, 2008 (5:23 pm)

I have a 2002 MINI Cooper S with roughly 38,000 miles. Bought it second hand last year.
 
I've been noticing since this spring that I can feel a popping sensation through the steering wheel once in a while when turning or driving over rough or uneven pavement.
 
Just wondering if anyone else has come across this. If so, any idea what the culprit was?
 
I'd like to get an idea before heading to the MINI dealership.
 
Thanks

#21 of 37 Re: MINI Cooper Steering issue - popping [acadimini] by Mr_Shiftright HOST

Aug 28, 2008 (6:14 pm)

Replying to: acadimini (Aug 28, 2008 5:23 pm)
They had both shock mount and motor mount issues as I recall.
 
Here are TWO TEchnical Service Bulletins that might be of help to you>
 
SI M 31 01 05
Front Axle
 
June 2005
Technical Service
 
This Service Information bulletin supersedes Service Measure M31 200 05 dated April 2005.
SUBJECT
Front End Clicking or Creaking Noise
 
MODEL
R50 (Cooper)
R52 (Convertible)
R53 (Cooper S)
 
SITUATION
 
Clicking or creaking noise may be heard coming from the vehicle front end when turning the steering wheel or when driving over bumps.
 
CAUSE
 
The plate of front strut mount (upper guide support) may be bent from an impact and over time has caused the rubber bushing to crack.
 
CORRECTION
 
Confirm the cause of the noise by removing the upper strut mount cap to see if there is a crack in the rubber bushing.
 
PROCEDURE
1. Check for any evidence of previous impacts from external force to the vehicle.
 
2. Verify that the upper strut dome body has not been damaged.
 
3. Do not replace the whole strut assembly.
 
4. Replace only the strut mount per Repair Instructions RA 33 31 031.
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------
 
SI M 32 02 05
Steering and Wheel Alignment
 
June 2005
Technical Service
 
This Service Information bulletin supersedes Service Measure M32 200 04 dated December 2004.
SUBJECT
Power Steering Pump Noise
 
MODEL
R50 (Cooper) and R53 (Cooper S) manufactured before June 2004.
 
SITUATION
 
Customer may hear a knocking noise from the front axle area when turning the steering wheel.
 
CAUSE
 
The power steering pump bracket is not properly mounted and makes contact with the power steering gear.
 
CORRECTION
 
Move the power steering pump bracket down as far as possible to increase the clearance between the bracket and the steering gear.
 
PROCEDURE
 
Do not replace the power steering gear or the electro-hydraulic power steering pump.
1. Loosen the two M8x12 hex bolts holding the power steering pump bracket. These bolts are accessible from the rear of the vehicle (under the power steering gear).
 
2. Move the power steering pump bracket down as far as possible to increase the clearance between the bracket and the steering gear.
 
3. Torque the bolts to 19 Nm.
 
For additional information, follow Repair Instruction RA 32 41 030
 
Improved assembly process implemented in June 2004.
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------
Also there is an April 2003 RECALL on the rear strut mounting screw, so make sure you've had that done, even though it doesn't pertain to your current problem.
 
MOMMA MIA -- I've been scrolling through the MINI Technical Service Bulletins, and there's an armful of them. Most are for older cars, and the newer TSBs on 2007/08 cars don't seem anywhere near as serious.

#23 of 37 MINI Cooper: Suspension by Mr_Shiftright HOST

Oct 13, 2006 (10:33 am)

This topic covers the MINI suspension system, and any questions or comments you have about it. This might include problems with struts/shocks, unusual noises, erratic tracking or handling, or alignment issues.

#24 of 37 sport v reg. suspension on mini by faust4

Sep 26, 2007 (2:24 pm)

I am going to buy a mini and having a hard time really knowing the difference between the sport suspension and the one that comes standard, I love a strong ride, but I heard you can get a little beat up with the sport. Any info will help, I dont want to regret my choice. thanks....Dan Faust

#25 of 37 Re: sport v reg. suspension on mini [faust4] by Mr_Shiftright HOST

Sep 29, 2007 (9:32 am)

Replying to: faust4 (Sep 26, 2007 2:24 pm)
I think the "problem" is with the sport suspension coupled to the Run Flat Tires. I've only driven the pre 2007 cars with sport suspension and Run Flats, and yes, the ride is extremely harsh. You should definitely test drive one with sports suspension before making up your mind, either used or new. If you can avoid or replace the RFTs, I'd do that as well.

#26 of 37 alignment problems by hnew

Apr 28, 2009 (4:52 am)

2008 mini cooper S, left front tire has steel belting showing and blown on inside tread area, right front is not as bad. Both back tires has had to be replaced and is already showing ware on inside tread again. With only 10,000 miles on the car, seams odd that such major alignment problem has occurred. My boss is a friend of the owner of this car, and asked for my help. They bought car new and saying no curbs been hit. They thinking to getting rid of this problem by getting there daughter a different car. They are concerned if, and for her safety, that if the alignment was done and why it needs to be done so soon. With the cost of the type of tires and its a new car, any ideas to help?

#27 of 37 Re: alignment problems [hnew] by Mr_Shiftright HOST

Apr 28, 2009 (7:22 am)

Replying to: hnew (Apr 28, 2009 4:52 am)
Alignment can be knocked out in an instant. It can happen ten minutes after you get an alignment. A pothole will do it. I don't see how they could know what ruts or potholes their daughter might have hit, or may even be unaware of. If you smack a hole hard enough, or often enough that's it---the car's out of alignment.
 
Wear on an inside tread suggests to me that the car is out of alignment and has excessive toe in or toe out---meaning that the tire is being scrubbed across the road--not running straight.
 
Unfortunately, you cannot properly align a car with tires that are already worn. You have to replace the tire, then do a full alignment. Also it would be a good idea to see if there is any damage under there.
 
My gut feeling is that there is nothing basically wrong with the MINI but a lot wrong with whoever is working on the alignment machine.

#28 of 37 Re: alignment problems [Mr_Shiftright] by hnew

Apr 28, 2009 (10:27 am)

Replying to: Mr_Shiftright (Apr 28, 2009 7:22 am)
I didn't look under the rear of the car to see if a alignment is possible. after buying the car from new, they replaced the rear tires in december of 2008. 4 months later they needed replaced again, and the rear tires are wearing about the same on the inside. tread. now on the bad one that is worn to the steel belt I do agree that she wasn't telling or giving up what could have knocked the front so badly out of alignment.

#29 of 37 Re: alignment problems [hnew] by Mr_Shiftright HOST

Apr 28, 2009 (11:52 am)

Replying to: hnew (Apr 28, 2009 10:27 am)
I'd need to see the wear pattern to tell you any more. Just about any car can be aligned on all 4 wheels although on some cars the way they do the rear wheels isn't pretty.

Messages Page 3 of 4

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