7 replies to this topic

[TomLewis]

First of all, I'd just like to say hello to everybody as I'm new to minis and new to this forum. Hello!

I have just got a R reg mini cooper and I'm incredibly happy with it, however today it developed a knocking sound normally only when turning right, but it occasionally happens when going over the larger potholes around here. The best way I can think to describe it is like a golf ball swinging about on a bit of string that bounces off something in the vicinity of the passenger footwell, although it was quite difficult to make out where it was coming from. I got out and gave the exhaust a good ol' shake but it doesn't seem to be that. That's as far as I got before it went dark, any ideas to what may be causing this will be very much appreciated.

Thanks in advance,
Tom

[Jammy]

Hmmm, sound like either bushes or a ball joint? (I think!)

[Bungle]

hello and welcome

might be a CV joint

[Cir-clipalot]

yup my guess is inner left cv joint. might be worth having a look underneath and seeing if the rubber gaiter is split altho this is only one thing that will make them fail, i.e. just because the gaiter is fine dont rule it out. does that make sense?!

[TomLewis]

Thanks guys, I'll get a Haynes manual and a set of car ramps tomorrow and I'll take a look under there.

[Guess-Works.com]

If it's just a single knock then it will be load base, so would tend towards ball joints, mounts, steering rack etc.... If it's a knock-knock-knock ( no jokes please ) then it will be rotationally based ie CV, bearings etc.. .

To check anything axle stands would be better than ramps as this will allow you to examine and rotate the wheel, and steering,

Edited by GuessWorks, 16 June 2005 - 07:35 AM.

[TomLewis]

Yeah it certainly is a continual knock-knock-knock whilst cornering.

Any advice on what to look for once i have the mini up in the air? I'm new to all this, but keen to learn especially as I don't trust some of the local garages as far as I can throw them. While I'm on the subject anybody got recommendations for garages that are good with minis in the south of Manchester?

Thanks again,
Tom

[Guess-Works.com]

When under the car turn the steering on full lock, and rotate the wheel, I'd put money on the CV being dry..

If you need to change the CV, it is not a big job, and special tool wise, only a ball joint separator and torque wrench ( and the right sockets ) are required... ( ooh and a soft faced mallet or length of 2"x3" )

Edited by GuessWorks, 16 June 2005 - 08:21 AM.