I picked up used 2012 R60 All4 a year ago and aside from having to replace the clutch it's been pretty solid. This past weekend while driving about 10mph in a parking lot I heard a bang and pulled over to see the driver's side rear wheel gap decreased from about 3" to none. Took her into Sears to take advantage of there free suspension diagnosis and was expecting to get a new set of struts. So when they called me to let me know there was nothing wrong and that I just needed an alignment I was adamant that something was wrong, but let them do the alignment. When I picked her up there was still no wheel gap and I said it looked like nothing was done. Then they told me that they didn't do the alignment, because my wheel was bent and I need a part. They didn't mentioned the part and I expected them to order whatever would be needed. Talked to a tech who barely spoke english and he suggested that I go to a body shop!

Hoping someone can help me.

No wheel gap after the bang.

Prior to issue

 

Only a handful of things could have happened.

1. The spring broke
2. The top spring perch/body broke
3. The lower shock mount/trailing arm broke

My money is on the spring and you're riding on the "auxiliary shock absorber" aka bump stop.

 

Follow the owners manual for removing the rear wheel...

While it is jacked up... take some good pics, with flash from different angles, with the rear wheel removed and post them up here....

I'm sure you'll get your answer in VERY short time.



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Did the P.O. have air ride suspension installed ??



/

 

After reading what occurred, I know i wouldn't be taking my vehicle anywhere near that particular Sears shop.

 

Just going to leave this here.

 

Any pics for us with the wheel removed?

Or.... if you resolved the issue... let us know what you've found







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Need to get in and look at all the suspension parts as something must have given away. My guess to check first would the the upper shock mount. If the foam rubber just fell apart the shock could have slid up and caused the drop while everything else would look correct.
These are the upper shock bushings
https://www.waymotorworks.com/rear-u...-bushings.html

but you can upgrade to the powerflex
https://www.waymotorworks.com/powerf...-bushings.html

 

. Should these be replaced when replacing the shockes? 64k miles. Thanks

 

If they are worn out or falling apart. Otherwise I'd reuse them

 

If I was replacing my shocks, I would replace with PowerFlex bushings regardless the condition of the stock bushings.

 

yikes that scary.

 

Looks like the OP lost interest??




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Same thing happened to me and this is what i found. Not sure exactly what i need to do

 

You'll have to replace your shocks and springs. I would do a suspension refresh on all four corners.

 

My spring broke and the mechanic suggested that I replace all corners with new springs and shocks. Unfortunately, I could only afford to replace the rears.

 

Yeah, local shop managed to find one manufacturer who made the quick set assembly so I got a pair of rears for now. Just waiting on the install

 

I would just go aftermarket and get some lowering springs. The price of 2 brand new OEM MINI springs is usually the same price or very close to aftermarket lowering springs.

 

Also what I was thinking but I don't really want to lower the ride. Some of the roads around here are fairly rough and I'm not wanting any new scrapes

 

Mild drop on CM is around an 1" FWD : https://www.ecstuning.com/Mini-2012-...nsion/Springs/

AWD: ALL4 https://www.ecstuning.com/Mini-2012-...nsion/Springs/

So they are not that aggressive. AST and eibach are mild

 

@Wulfgar - thanks for pics. Son called, symptoms (in title of this post) happened to his this AM on the way to work - first day on new job! Researching on how to handle, what happened. Wondering if I can drive other vehicle to swap with his to bring home, or if I need to pay to have it towed home to diagnose/fix for him.
Thoughts?

 

If its bad i would tow it. You dont want to damage more of your MINI.

 

Of course, would never do otherwise. There is actually no noise while bouncing or anything, just bottomed out on one side. Likely collapsed spring. MINI dealer only about 5 min from his work, am here now for evaluation.

 

Yep, broken spring. Dealer didn't have one, had to order it. I brought home, awaiting dealer quote.
Likely will be doing work myself, now to find a spring...

 

ECS - just dropped you a note with VIN. Looking for proper rear spring.