Anyone know what a failed rear sway bar link sounds like? I’ve got a very persistent right rear suspension rattle that is set off by even the smallest road imperfections. The link bolts are tight and if I grab the RR link and shake I can’t feel any play (but that doesn’t prove much). My ’05 MCS cabrio has a 19mm rear sway bar and Koni FSDs. I’ve checked that the subframe is tight. Based on how sensitive it is to any bump I figure its either a bad link (likely) or a failed Koni FSD (less likely).

 

I think if the link failed, it would be pretty obvious, perhaps the Sway bar needs some lube or maybe perhaps the exhaust is rattling....the hangers rust out....might be worth a look.
When you installed your KONI FSD's, did you install new rear strut mount pads (the white rubber bumper like thingys)? Mine were worn, and my mechanic caught them when mine were installed just last week. They were only like $30 for a set.

From your name, it seems safe to assume you are in Mass right? If you can't track down the issues, or don't wasnt to lay down on a cold floor in a snowstorm, and you are out of warranty...I'd give Pete over at Greasy's a call in Worcester, MA.....he knows MINI's pretty well....Great rates, and he has quite a following. He is actually further away from me than my dealer, but I go to him for anything I can't do myself!! His shop is a bit of a MINI mecca at times (the most common make he services, but not the only one)....he probably services several hundred MINI's in the MASS, NH, RI area!!

 

Thanks Zippy. The FSDs went in at about 15K miles and I reused all the stock bumpers and mounts. I may have to take the strut out to make sure the top bolt hasn't come loose (seems unlikely after more than 25K miles). I'll look at the bumpers and mounts as well.

Yep I'm in Mass. And I think I've been to Greasy's once... Got my pulley done at a pulley party organized by the Ocean State Club at a Worcester Mini specialist.

 

Check to see if your swaybar bushings are properly lubed. If they are dry, they may be worn (the i.d. of the bushing is greater than the o.d. of the bar) and are rattling. It would be hard to tell if this is the case by shaking suspension parts around. You'll have to remove the bushings and inspect. Check this thread: https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...-comp-bar.html

for a quick remedy.

 

How easy should it be to move around the ball joints by hand? I took both links out and was able to easily move the ball joint bolt. I've replaced end links on other cars where the new ones were quite stiff and hard to move. Does easy to move = failed? I can't detect any free play - they move smoothly - but easily.

 

i have had the same sound for over a year now. it is the smallest bump that makes the noise as well. had it apart many times and found nothing wrong. i even had the rear interior plastic side panels out . i find it frustrating that you can not view the exterior sheet metal . the car has a inner wall as well.
i had thoughts of some part between the interior trim was causing the rattle.
no wonder the mini is so heavy of a car. i really want to hack out some of the metal to make it lighter

 

Exactly! Small, low speed bumps make the noise. And that may be the most annoying since the car is otherwise relatively quiet at low speeds.

RatBlast, do you have the stock links? (I do)

I have a cabrio and my noise is more noticeable with the top up - but I'm not really sure if it's just because there's lots of other noise when the top is down. I currently have the rear seats out and the passenger side panel off but there's nothing obviously loose.

Removed, disassembled, reinstalled my right rear FSD today. No change. Then swapped the links from right to left. Might have caused the sound to move to the drivers side - haven't driven enough to be sure. Probably going with new links since they're relatively cheap.

 

yes i am still with the stock swaybar end links. i did not think going to the higher end ones would make any differance in the cars handling. i only buy stuff i feel will help the car mod wise. i found the best way to fix the problem..... i turn up the volume on the stereo