So, after a wonderful day in Colorado Springs I get home, let the car sit for a little while, go to take it out again and what happens? Very loud rattling comming from the front end. It only happens when the wheels are straight and almost has the sound of marbles bumping around. We didn't get it up to any real speed, just turned around after about 100 feet or so but the faster it goes it sounds more like a buzzing. Anyone have any ideas on what it can be? I'm planning on thaking it to Schomp ASAP. Thanks.

 

Back up - first what did we/you do if anything today ? I don't think we touched your car today - right ??


Second lets isolate the "marbles" - RPM related ? speed related ?? Steering related ??

Does it make the noise if it is sitting still and you rev it up ?


Is it throwing codes ? and if so do you have a reader ?

 

I'm not saying anyone did anything to my car, it just so happens that it decided to start falling apart today.

I don't think it's RPM or speed related because it's constantly there whenever the car is in motion. I'm thinking it's more than likely that it has something to do with the steering because it stops when the wheels are turned.

No codes being thrown.

 

Might be worth jacking up one side then the other - turning the wheels and seeing if you can repeat the noise. Perhaps you will get lucky and all the marbles will just fall right out.

 

You might have sucked up something up into the Power steering pump or the suspension on our rainy trip back.

 

I hope so, darn marbles getting into places where they don't belong.

 

Yeah, I'm gonna jack it up in a little bit to see whats going on down there. I'll keep it posted.

 

I did not mean to imply that you were accusing anyone of anything - I was simply wanting to confirm that nothing had been done that may be the cause.


Something else to check is have someone wiggle the steering wheel back and forth and watch the the front and to check for anything that may have worked loose

 

Judging by the year of your MINI, I would say it is more suspension related...

First: check the front brake calipers and make sure there isnt something wedged up in there between the wheel and brake assembly.

Second: Check your front Sway bar bushings or Control arm bushings - CAB's on right side usually go before left side...

Put E brake on, put on some mechanics gloves and grab a hold of the front sway bar and tug on it. Does it move ? If so is the metalic sound about the same ?

To check CAB's you need to get it up on a lift and stick a bar in between the arm and the frame and check for movement...they only last about 60-70K miles so if you are beyond that, consider yourself lucky and change them out anyways when you can....

Hope this helps.

 

I didn't mean to sound like I was snapping at you, darn electronic conversation lacks the tone of voice when talking in person.

Thanks for the help!

 

I'm guessing it's the CAB's, I've heard horror stories.

 

No real suprise here, the drivers side front tire was flat. Just put an order in for new wheels... Ouch

 

Maybe you and Hippie can take a weekend and do the CABs together! I'll be sick that weekend or something.

...so was the wheel the reason for the noise? I know you said you had issues with it not holding air, was it related?



I'm just joking about not helping with CABs (sort of).

 

Actually that would be a good deal on the CABs - - I have the shop and tools and we could learn them together - if your interested let me know - MCC could come up drink my beer (only the best - Fat Tire) and give tips and pointers

 

Yes and yes, after I inflated the tire I had no more problems.


I think I should do the CAB's anyways, the car has 66000 miles on it and is a daily driver, I'm sure they're doomed.

Looking forward to it

 

I was about to ask what weekend....so i would be sure to not be home.

After reading that Fat Tire would be the "bribe of choice"..... Just how many, &, if enough to reduce the pain of CAB replacement, would there be a bed to sleep it off or a designated driver to get me back to C/S?