Hello all,

I am sure this has been discussed before... I have an 04 S with 106,000 on the clock. I have been hearing a sort of rattle or looseness coming from the front right wheel well for quite sometime now. It seems to occur when going over a slight bump or dip. The noise does not seem to be worsening or affect the steering.

Any trends or likely culprits? maybe the ball joint or tierod? Hopefully this is a diy type job.

Thanks for the help

 

Tie rod bushing or the innner OR outer bushing. If you can get it on a jack or rack and feel for play in those bushings.

http://www.ecstuning.com/Mini-2004-Cooper-R53-S-Coupe-L4_1.6L_W11B16A/Suspension/Control_Arm/Ball_Joints/

Tie rods:

http://www.ecstuning.com/Mini-2004-Cooper-R53-S-Coupe-L4_1.6L_W11B16A/Steering/Tie_Rod/



Thanks and I hope that helps.

 

My R53 had a rattle over bumps on the passenger side front end, I took to the dealer and they could not duplicate as usual then to a non MINI shop and they said that I needed tierods then to a MINI shop and after a few hours they found that it was the inner balljoint.... I think that's what they said I'll have to look at the paperwork but they took care of it and the clunking was gone.., perfect. Also runflats didn't make the matter any better.
I hope it helps

 

looks like that is the culprit- thanks for the info... is this something I can pull off in the driveway? any special tools involved?