13 replies to this topic

[matt050990]

Hi all

Bit of a silly one but thought I'd check

I see to be getting a knocking noise from the rear left shock absorber.

It took me a while to diagnose but pretty sure that's what it is.

I was going to take the mini out this evening to show it off a little bit now thinking twice due to the noise.

It isn't excessively loud but noticeable when hitting bumps.

Would it be okay to take on a little drive (30 mins either way on A roads) or is it best kept still until I can get round to replacing?

Much ta
Matt

[unburntfuelinthemorning]

Why do you think it's the shock?

[matt050990]

Only happens when the suspension is compressed.

I've tried wiggling the exhaust, fuel tank etc but all good and solid.

Only time I can replicate the noise is by putting weight on that corner then releasing.

Could it be anything else then?

[paul748]

How old are the shocks?

This is most likely the top or/and bottom bushes worn out.

[matt050990]

No idea, at least 4 years as that's how long I've had it but could be a lot more.

[cal844]

What shocks do you have fitted? Had similar with a Gaz shock on a mini, they'd been bought new but sat about for about a year on the car.

First long run and we got a knocking... We ended up having to change the radius arm and the shock too...

[ClassicAsh]

The same happened to me and it was just the nuts worked loose on the shock absorbers on the inside of the boot. Slide the petrol tank to one side and gave them a few turns and relocked them with the nut and the same the other side. no more rattle and bump, just a smooth ride.. well as smooth as a mini can be. I think I didn't tighten them enough when I fitted them and the rubbers seals on the cups may have settled a bit.

[midridge2]

The usual cause from a shocker is the nut come loose or the inner wheel arch has rotted out or something has fallen down beside the petrop tank.

[unburntfuelinthemorning]

Only happens when the suspension is compressed.

I've tried wiggling the exhaust, fuel tank etc but all good and solid.

Only time I can replicate the noise is by putting weight on that corner then releasing.

Try removing the suspect shock and see if you can replicate the noise again in the same way. 

[Minigman]

I had the same with some Spax adjustables.

I took them off and sent them back to Minispares. Got replacements but they only lasted about 6 weeks before they started knocking again. Took them off and put on KYB gas adjust. No problems since.

Edited by Minigman, 02 August 2018 - 04:52 PM.

[matt050990]

Well took it out last night in the end.
I had a little look before I went, moved the tank and checked the nut, all was tight.
Took the wheel off and all seems solid.
Checked for movement top and bottom with wheel on and jacked up.
Can't seem to make the noise other than by bouncing on the car.
Drive fine, didn't feel as if it handled poorly or anything but just still that annoying knock.

The shocks are GAZ adjustabke ones.

[Ethel]

Corrosion under the mounting? Seen 'em rust through in the seams so you'd hardly notice.

[mini-mad-mark]

Something I found but no idea why - the bush on some dampers I had seemed to be larger than the pin

 

Try the damper on the pin to see if its a snug fit (not tight as such) - any slop/looseness could cause banging

When fitted its too tight to replicate without the weight of the car on it - hence why you only have it when bouncing that corner

 

Maybe a similar looking damper but for a different car with a larger bush diameter?

 

I thought I read something about this on here but cant find it (or by asking Mr Google....)

[matt050990]

That's for the replies, hoping to get another look tomorrow when the Mrs takes the kids to a birthday party.

I'll see what I can find....