10 replies to this topic

[RooBoonix]

Hi everyone.

Over the last week or so I've had a funny squeaking noise appear in my Mini. Happens particularly at lower speeds and mainly when going over bumps.

I've done the usual, greased all the joints and that made no change. I checked the tightness of all the subframe mounts and they are all tight (toeboard ones were a bit loose but I've tightened them and no different), I've replaced the shock absorbers and the noise is still there. So my thoughts are either subframe mounts or knuckle joint. I'm moving more towards knuckle joint.

Is there a way of testing which one it is? Can I spray the subframe mounts with something like GT85 and see if the noise changes or goes away, would that work? I don't want to spend around £100 on a new set of genuine mounts (do it once and do it right and all that) when it's the knuckle joint that has failed. Same thing I don't want to ignore it and end up having to buy a new upper arm because my knuckle joint has worn through and damaged it.

I'm a learner driver so am not committed to using the car and I do all work myself so any help as to what to look out for would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Cam.

Edited by RooBoonix, 04 June 2015 - 09:32 AM.

[Spider]

Common cause of this is a worn cup on the knuckle joint(s).

[A-Cell]

I'm with mokespider on this. You are describing "Mini creak". Dry knuckle joint, wearing nylon cup away.

[Spider]

Bhahaaha,,,, love that 'Mini Creak' (or is that Mini Creek?).

 

Unfortunately, the said knuckle joints are not readily greasable and by the time you start to hear them, they nearly always need replacing.

 

Good news is they are fairly cheap.

 

Bad news (if you can call it that) is you'll most likely need a rubber cone compressor to do the job.

 

I'd suggest not driving the car until they are done. The Knuckle Joint has a ball in it and it is that which is rubbing on the top arm and now wear that too. If the top arm gets worn, it would be best also replaced, however I have built them up with plastic metal if they aren't too bad. Fit the new cup before it goes off to get the profile, just grease it so it doesn't stick.

[RooBoonix]

Excellent. Thanks for the replies.

I'll order a pair of knuckle joints and a cone compressor from Minispares. (I'll replace both drivers and passenger sides as if one is fine chances are the other isn't far off!

Cheers,
Cam.

[Blatherskite]

Common cause of this is a worn cup on the knuckle joint(s).

Agreed, knuckles need changed.

[A-Cell]

Bhahaaha,,,, love that 'Mini Creak' (or is that Mini Creek?).

Off topic, but the term got coined in the Mini's hay days.
In the late 60's and early 70's repairing things like this literally was bread and butter for the many non franchised garages. Along with replacing rear subframes and welding for MoT!
I have come across top arms badly worn and bodged with body filler with a replacement knuckle pushed in! Cures the "mini creak" for a short while. Same era as sills and box members packed with newspaper, smear of filler then under seal!

To the OP if you have the time I would recommend stripping the suspension out, thorough inspection to determine parts required. Check top arms both where the knuckles fit and the pins and needle roller bearings. Maybe the bottom arm bushes might need replacing. Also the bump and rebound rubber stops. Also good chance to fit new suspension cones.

[RooBoonix]

To the OP if you have the time I would recommend stripping the suspension out, thorough inspection to determine parts required. Check top arms both where the knuckles fit and the pins and needle roller bearings. Maybe the bottom arm bushes might need replacing. Also the bump and rebound rubber stops. Also good chance to fit new suspension cones.

I may well do that. Not that I can afford all these new parts. Bottom bushes look fine, they aren't split or anything.

Rebound robbers are on the to do list, can the upper arm pin and bearings be bought as a fit? I recall one being available from minispares. Cones aren't anything I plan to do but I'll take a look at them and see.

Cheers

[idlethumbs]

Not to steal the post but I also have a squeak from the front on the NS.
Mine started since I replaced the suspension though. I've got new cones, hilos genuine front knuckles and gas dampers all new. Also poly bushed the subframe mounts.
What else to look for?

[Spider]

Did you grease the poly bushes?

[RooBoonix]

I've just ordered a cone compressor and a pair of knuckle joints so I'm ready to inspect and replace once they come.