R50/R53 :: Hatch Talk (2002-2006) Cooper (R50) and Cooper S (R53) hatchback discussion.

R50/53 clacking noise up front that never seems to go away

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Old May 31, 2012 | 07:18 AM
  #1  
tiny s's Avatar
tiny s
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2nd Gear
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clacking noise up front that never seems to go away

I have replaced front struts, both outer tie rods, both front sway bar links, both lower and upper ball joints, both strut mounts and yet my car sounds like its about to fall apart. There is a clanking noise up front when hitting any small or big bump. Is there a particular part that causes this? Thanx
 
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Old May 31, 2012 | 08:25 AM
  #2  
DixonL2's Avatar
DixonL2
6th Gear
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From: Pgh, PA
a-arm bushings? G with powerflex. To diagnose, put car on flat surface with e-brake firmly engaged. Push firmly backward (toward rear of car) on the top of each front tire (perhaps use your foot). If you see >1/4" of rearward movement your a-arm bushings may be shot. Replacing with powerflex improves steering feel with no downside.

Also, jack up the front of the car (both sides), put it securely on jackstands, and push inward (toward center of car) on the top of each tire. Matter of fact, push all around the tire and listen for noise.
 
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Old May 31, 2012 | 08:34 AM
  #3  
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tiny s
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stuff

Awesome, I actually noticed that I can force my wheel front to back a bit more than it should when the car is on the ground as normal. Also noticed that the bottom part of the sway bar links on both sides have been touching the axles. Theres a skinny ring around the axles right in that area. Do you happen to have a link to the powerflex bushings?
 
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