So, I did some extensive research and it has led me to believe that I have a cracked left strut mount. I have read quite a few threads about the noise that is going on in my front left wheel well area, which sounds like a "Whoop, Whoop, Whoop" at low speeds and the same but quite louder when turning right. I thought I had it fixed when I found a twig wedged in my caliper but I was incorrect. I will be confirming my diagnosis this weekend when I have time to pull the wheel of the front end.

My questions would be -

Can I replace this without replacing the actual struts?

Do I need to replace both front strut mounts if I need to replace at least one?

Where can I find some decently priced strut mounts?

What do I absolutely need for this type of job?

and finally,

Is there a good guide to replacing them?

Sorry for all the questions! I have searched online and can only find a few guides on how to replace them and they are not for MINIs. I appreciate the help!

 

Well if you're replacing them, I'd reccomend getting some IE fixed camber plates as a replacement. These are about $180, and I'd get them from WMW. They are much beefier and also make the car handle much much better than stock. You do not need to replace the struts, but you may have mushrooming on your strut towers, which could be a problem when putting it all back together (the bolt holes will be off). This could require some careful application of a hammer and a 2x4. Also, you don't need to take the wheel off to check it necissarily, you can just open the hood and take a peek at the strut mount.
tools you will need:
-jack
-jack stands
-16mm open end wrench
-5mm allen wrench
-18mm wrench(ratchet works best)
-spray lubricant of some kind (penetrating 3 in 1 works well)
-grease of some kind (something pretty thick would work best)
-spring compressor
-13mm wrench/ratchet
-7/8"(or metric equivalent) open-end extended wrench with a long handle
-hex wrench for the top of the strut ( I believe it is a 6mm for the front struts)
-long piece of wood to use the jack to compress the driver's side strut to get it out/back in.

I just did these last week just for the handling advantages, it was way worth it! might be a good time to install lowering springs if you so please. this should take roughly 3 hours. Took me 2 but i put lowering springs on a couple months ago so I had everything all figured out already. Make sure you jack both front sides up before trying to disconnect the sway bar end links, you will not be able to get them back on unless both sides have the wheels off the ground. Pretty fun/easy install!

 

So I went out with a flashlight tonight (at 10:30PM) and checked the spot you told me about underneath my hood. There it was (on the passenger side, not drivers side as I thought) cracked strut mount. Can I only replace this one? The other one is in great condition...

Well...The MINI is going to be parked for about a week or so until I can get that fixed. I don't want to drive her and break the mount completely.

 

You can just replace that mount, i think they are about $80.00, but why not replace them both with something that's gonna improve handeling, and give you anti-mushrooming? plus.. if one of them is already cracked, what's holding the second one back from cracking too? its worth it imo to go for the IE piece... it's very well made.

 

Unfortunately I don't have enough money right now to replace both...I can do one now and maybe another in a few months. I am just relieved that this repair is not too bad...

I wish I could :/

 

well... best to do the one for now then... at least get that out of the way. I do have my stock strut mounts in good condition if you want them, PM me.

 

Read this post about strut tower reinforments. This is what I did.
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...-question.html

 

I totally appreciate the offer for the strut mounts, but my husband wants to buy new ones (actually might get both!) and he has a friend that can put them on at his shop so I don't need to do them myself. (Just found out today!)

Thank you for your help though, I can always rely on the NAM community to help me out if I need it!

 

That's a good idea! I'll have to see how much I can find them for and see if I can work them into my budget! Thanks!

 

Well, I had a cracked strut mount, but that wasn't what was making the noise...It was the strut bellow! The boot was crumpled and rubbing on something. Whew...all fixed now.

 

So you no longer have a "Whooper Cooper"???

:-)

 

Nope, still have it. Need to replace the bellow. I am discouraged.

 

So what was the final diagnosis? I didn't have any noise issues until i had a mechanic replace the strut mounts and added some tower plates at the same time. He later tried to spray some lube in some areas which helped only temporarily. I wonder if they damaged the boots when they worked on it.