I had a H-sport rear swaybar installed back in (I think it was may) at helix and ever since I have noticed that when I start to back out of my garage and when I put on my brakes at the bottom of my driveway or when I'm driving and put on the brakes to slow for a turn I hear a pop sound at the back of my car. It kinda sounds likes something has rolled to one side and stopped.(that's the best way I can describe it). Does anyone else hear this noise from thier swaybar? Could the bolts that connect the swaybar be too tight? any help would be greatly appreciated!!

 

Not as familiar with the H-Sport but maybe something is rubbing I suggest a through inspection for scraping or contact to see if you can localize the problem.

 

There is another thread on an interior popping that some MINI's seem to have.. Mine included..

For me I think it is the body flexing a joint somewhere.. I heard it with my stock anti-sway bar and a stiffer 20mm bar. I even put in a rear stress brace thinking that might cure the problem... but I still have it..

I have not been able to get a condition to consistantly get the *pop* to happen so it is hard to take to the dealer..

Short answer is ... You are not alone.. but we don't know what it is either.

 

Does it make the sound when you go over bumps too or just when you use the brake? Can you hear the noise with the windows up or only when they are down?

 

it happens a lot. every time I slow for a turn or back up. when I take off from a stand still and then brake for a stop I hear it. basicly any time momentum is changed from forward movement to backwards movement I hear this noise

 

Since you describe it as happened everytime and repeatable.. I am wondering if the bushings for the sway bar are dry - they should be heavily greased.

I think the H-sport bushing have a nice grease port on top.. Very accessable once the wheel is removed..

While you are looking at the bushings, check for clearance of the body metal to the sway bar itself..

 

To answer one part of the question, no, overtighten the mounting bolts for the sway bar will not pinch the bar bushings. They mount flush and use a u bracket to cradle the bushings and the U cannot be tightened down any further than it was designed for. As for the POP there are lots of possibilities. Control arm bushings, brake pads, struts to name a few. I agree that a good visual is always worth doing but don't worry too much.

 

Regrease the bushings. Including the outside flat part that sits on the subframe. You'll need to take the brackets off to lube there. My bar made little popping like noises while I drove or rocked the car from side to side. The noise went away after I lubed the flat part of the bushings.