40 replies to this topic

[grahama]

I just had this same problem. Mine was the exhaust being loose banging on the tunnel. Try reaching underbthe car and seeing if it will wobble side to side.

[kkeith]

So, I’m now preparing myself to change the front subframe mounts. I have read all the necessary advice on where to jack and the order to replace the mounts in and how to lower the frame etc sufficiently to get the tower mounts out (with engine still in).

One concern - i am going to use solid mounts all round but I read somewhere that this will require the toe board to be strengthened and that the solid mounts can’t just go into the old rubber mount holes. Is this true? I thought I would just be replacing rubber mounts for solid?

Edited by kkeith, 11 October 2019 - 05:59 PM.

[kkeith]

So, I have no replaced the 6x front subframe mounts with solid mounts. The handling is much better BUT the problem remains. Accelerating or lifting off at lower speeds feels like a complete jolt forward/backward. I am lost as to why to do next. I guess I will have to get it to a garage.

[kkeith]

So, I have no replaced the 6x front subframe mounts with solid mounts. The handling is much better BUT the problem remains. Accelerating or lifting off at lower speeds feels like a complete jolt forward/backward. I am lost as to why to do next. I guess I will have to get it to a garage.

[unburntfuelinthemorning]

Did you ever check the drivershafts as in message #5 in this thread?

[kkeith]

You should be able to tell if your rear mounts are alright or not by levering between the body and the subframe. If they're broken then movement will be obvious. A standard replacement will be sufficient unless you want to start upgrading the handling in which case you need to replace all six of the front mounts with solid, not just the rear ones.

Try holding a driveshaft with one hand and turning the wheel with the other to see if there's any appreciable play in the outer CV. Then hold the driveshaft and turn the pot joint to check for inner CV play. There will be a very small amount of movement but it shouldn't be much.

Thanks - this is one of the next few checks on my list. Getting there! In the meantime I took the car to Shaun at Sevenoaks Minis and asked him to take it for a drive as I wanted an experienced test drive opinion. Shaun didn’t feel there was anything to be concerned with. Perhaps I am being paranoid and maybe I’ve explained it all wrong. I will try to explain again but think I will stop worrying - So it is not a knock (there was a clunk before but the new mounts have cured that), it is now more of a jerk backwards (accelerating) or lunge forward (lift off) - I’m exaggerating to make the point. It only really notices in 1st or 2nd gear and I guess it just feels like a small car with a powerful engine. It only does it if driving badly (heavy footed). So, I’m going to conclude that there is nothing majorly wrong but will continue to make adjustments and upgrade where necessary.

Edited by kkeith, 27 October 2019 - 07:24 PM.

[kkeith]

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Edited by kkeith, 27 October 2019 - 07:24 PM.

[unburntfuelinthemorning]

I'm glad the subframe mounts cured the clonk.  The lurching you describe when going off and back on the throttle particularly in the lower gears is a characteristic of the Mini which can be mitigated by being gentle.  When going back on the throttle, press it a tiny bit and then floor it instead of just flooring it.

[nicklouse]

It could just be your upgrades that are making the cararure of the Mini more noticeable.

 

check rear suspension and seat mountings.

[kkeith]

I'm glad the subframe mounts cured the clonk. The lurching you describe when going off and back on the throttle particularly in the lower gears is a characteristic of the Mini which can be mitigated by being gentle. When going back on the throttle, press it a tiny bit and then floor it instead of just flooring it.

Indeed - this Mini is my sons - my mini and the last time I drove one was 34 years ago! Thanks for your help, really appreciated and the peace of mind is very reassuring

[kkeith]

It could just be your upgrades that are making the cararure of the Mini more noticeable.

check rear suspension and seat mountings.

Thanks - suspension is next on the list. The joys of owning a mini! ?