Hi all,
Just when i thought MINI was in good shape again after spending $$$ on stuff, there is now a new "creaky" sound coming from the right front when turning the steering wheel moving slowly or stopped (like ready to pull out of the parking stall). After I run for a while, it's gone. What should I look for??

 

Please take my recommendation with a grain of salt as I have the same thing and I "think" I know what it is I just haven't fixed it. I think the support bearing/bushing at the top of the srut on that side of the car is worn and needs to be replaced. I wouldn't go buying parts though until someone confirms that. It's the only thing I can think it is on my car.

 

Thanks takedown. We'll be putting it up on a lift this weekend to check other stuff out as well and also change the oil. Dam pan bolt is stripped too! We couldn't get a good grip in the driveway.

 

Sorry, Takrdown. Silly spell check!

 

That's a textbook strut bearing complaint. You put the most stress on those bearings when steering near the lock at low speeds. You can get entirely new Lemfoerder (OEM) strut mounts - complete with the bearings - for $36.50 a pop at PelicanParts.

 

Would associated parts also need replacing as well or just this?

 

Now I feel better about my troubleshooting lately Based upon the fact that I've replaced almost everything short of the struts I'm guessing you could just replace the support bearing and be good....but like I said....I'm not an expert.

 

For the past year since I've owned my '04 MCS, I've had this groaning from the steering when starting my day - not necessarily cold weather. I asked and was told it was likely the steering rack bushing. This bush sits to the right of the rack, which is why I thought it was something on the passenger side of my suspension. I have the new bushing on order and will change it out when I drop my subframe and do my LCAs (along with myriad other stuff).

If you're sure the noise is coming from high up on the front corner of the suspension, then it's probably as noted above. But if, like me, from inside the car it sounds like it's coming from under the passenger floor, it might be the rack bushing. On RealOEM's steering rack diagram, it's #2.

 

Most likely, just that. If you see your dampers leaking or torn bushings or something while you're down there, replace those too, but there's nothing related you'd need to replace in conjunction with strut mounts.

 

Cool! Thanks