Mini Cooper Creaks and Clunks!

KatieDee

Hi guys,

I have a 2005 Mini Cooper which has only recently started making clunking/creaking noises from what sounds like the rear drivers side (coincidentally, since it started getting bloody cold!). The only issue is that this noise only starts after the car has been driven for about 30 minutes, settled, then driven again.

I took it in to a garage yesterday who test drove it, couldn't hear the creak in question but tested the suspension from the front. Both shock absorber top mountings had split so these were replaced. The top engine mount had also gone, so this was also replaced, for a grand total of £300. He brought all the items with him to show how much they had worn. A diagnostics was run and the only issue coming back was one with my ABS which is caused by what they think is a faulty CTR unit, which we already knew.

This morning I drove my car to work, eagerly waiting for that dreaded creak, and it is still there. I understand the other work needed doing but it's a large bill I could have done without the month before Christmas. I should add that I completely trust this garage and they have always been very informative about the work they are doing, and what can wait in order to save money.

I really want to problem fixed, because it does sound like quite an ominous creak. I don't want something to happen when I'm in the city centre because breaking down in rush hour is literally my worse nightmare.

Any ideas what it could be? The garage were quite honest and said diagnosing noises is notoriously difficult, because you can guarantee the noise won't be there when they drive it, and my idea of a "clunk" might be very different to theirs.

Bullet points of what is happening!

• Loud creak coming from rear
• Occasional clunking noise
• Can be going straight but clunks tend to happen when turning
• Doesn't have to be an uneven surface but noise is louder when going over small bumps

wgl2014

I'm not familiar with Minis suspension components but the noise you describe could be caused by a small amount of play in a bushing.

You have these on the suspension components and anti roll bar. Unfortunately it's sometimes impossible to find which one without removing them so can be trial and error.

Consider posting on a specific Mini owners forum as odds on it won't be unique to your car and they may be able to narrow it down.

System

KatieDee wrote: »

Any ideas what it could be? The garage were quite honest and said diagnosing noises is notoriously difficult, because you can guarantee the noise won't be there when they drive it, and my idea of a "clunk" might be very different to theirs.

Bullet points of what is happening!

• Loud creak coming from rear
• Occasional clunking noise
• Can be going straight but clunks tend to happen when turning
• Doesn't have to be an uneven surface but noise is louder when going over small bumps

Worn bush on one of the rear suspension components, subframe bush or rear drop links. Unless there is obvious play you could spend an age chasing it as the car is at an age where all the rubber bushes are starting to wear out. Best to let it develop to the point there is sufficient play for them to find which it is.

Given you trust them, they've found some stuff which would only be found with a good inspection and not just a cursory look over then I think its safe to assume a wheel isn't likely to be falling off any time soon.