5 replies to this topic

[frenzy382]

Hi everyone...I know this question keeps getting asked, and i've followed several previous threads but to no avail.

 

So...symptoms i have are..

 

knocking noise (sounds like a bang),coming from the front somewhere.  I think it's coming from the front n/s, my wife sitting in the passenger seat thinks it's coming from the front o/s.  

Knocking noise seems to only happen at very low speed, and it's not constant.  I think it even happens when coasting (therefore out of gear).  I would like to say that it happens only when going over a bump...however, if that is the case, then even the smallest bump in the road is causing this.

Handling seems fine.

Have checked, knuckles, ball joints, steering rack, suspension mounts, engine steadies...all tight as anything.

The centre exhaust did have it's bobbins shear off, and these have now been replaced...however no difference to knocking noise.

 

One thing I haven't checked yet is to whether the exhaust might be loose further forward on the car??  

 

Any thoughts?

 

[spiguy]

When I had this, it turned out to be play in the nearside (passenger side UK) steering rack bush. This is a very common wear point on minis, as the rack covers a fair old length from the steering gear to the end of the rack tube, so the bush is supporting alot more weight than the one on the drivers side.

 

It does not show up as any side to side play in the steering (like say a track rod end would) rather what happens is that any movement of the suspension immediately 'takes up the slack' and creates a clunk. Mine did it even on a seemingly flat road, cornering, over bumps, just constantly.

 

The way I found it was to peel back the gaiter at the rack end, and have an assistant rock the wheel as if searching for a worn track rod end for example, and I observed the rack as it entered the tube. I could then see the play in the bush, and also feel it.

 

One to bear in mind if you don't find the cause anywhere else.

 

Of course, ensure the car is supported on axle stands before venturing under it!

Edited by spiguy, 30 March 2016 - 09:59 AM.

[frenzy382]

thanks for that...that's really good to know, especially as so far there isn't anything easily visible that can be seen.

I'll look into that at the weekend.

[MrBounce]

In addition to what has already neen advised, take a look at the rubber mounts on the rear of the front subframe. You may find that they have separated. Also inspect the subframe itself as although unlikely, cracks can occur.

[frenzy382]

thanks for the help guys...all really helpful and appreciated.  Looks like the weekend is now planned out.

[spiguy]

Yeah, as above - carefully check everything, it might not be the rack, I just wanted to make sure you knew that it can be rack even though you don't have any signs of lost steering. I know I jacked the car up and checked for play in the track rod end, and when I didn't find any I moved on initially. A worn nearside rack bush can be elusive, but if you check it as I suggested you can confirm or rule it out. Hopefully it's not that, as it's a rack replacement, which isn't all that expensive but it is a bit of a fiddly job!

 

Good luck!