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

R50/53 Two issues with my "new" R53, help please!

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Old 04-10-2014, 09:52 PM
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Two issues with my "new" R53, help please!

Hey guys,

Couple of issues so far with my R53.

1 - A/C isn't blowing cold at all. It blows, but just ambient air. Think this is just a refill issue or something more sinister?

2 - I'm getting a rotational "clacking" noise from the rear of the car when my steering wheel is turned right of center. It doesn't happen always - it comes and goes. Speeds up when I speed up, slows down when I slow down, and only when my steering wheel is right of dead center, never left. It's a metal sound, if that makes sense.

Thanks in advance for any help/suggestions!
 

Last edited by JonShar; 04-10-2014 at 09:55 PM. Reason: Missed some information
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Old 04-10-2014, 10:52 PM
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1-Possibly may need a recharge. I did mine my self by picking up a can at the local auto parts store. It was pretty self explanatory

2-May be the right front brake pad? It may have come loose some how or broke apart or spring holder came undone? Pull the wheel and take a look at that, it costs you nothing. Could be a long shot.
 
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Old 04-11-2014, 08:21 AM
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Originally Posted by Mib4840
1-Possibly may need a recharge. I did mine my self by picking up a can at the local auto parts store. It was pretty self explanatory

2-May be the right front brake pad? It may have come loose some how or broke apart or spring holder came undone? Pull the wheel and take a look at that, it costs you nothing. Could be a long shot.
Thanks for the help!

I've read horror stories on here about doing recharges on A/C - is it a pretty safe thing to do?

I'll give the brake pad thing a shot, thanks again!
 
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Old 04-11-2014, 08:40 AM
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If your a/c needs a charge, then it has a leak. Fix the leak first. Unfortunately this is something better done by a pro who has the equipment to test the system for leaks.

The rear noise could be a bad wheel bearing, but definitely check the brakes first. It would be good to clean and lube the caliper/pads/pins to make sure it is all OK.
 
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Old 04-11-2014, 10:24 AM
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Stock rims? Stock springs?
You MIGHT be rubbing..happens when folks lower a car, change the springs to coilovers and or change to rims with different offset.
Might happen with a blown strut too....you have too look...if something is rubbing or clanking..there should be a mark.
The rear swaybar...if aftermarket MIGHT need lube/new bushings...another thing to look at. Sounds are hard to identify on the internet....good luck.
 
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Old 04-11-2014, 02:10 PM
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Originally Posted by Aspen
If your a/c needs a charge, then it has a leak. Fix the leak first. Unfortunately this is something better done by a pro who has the equipment to test the system for leaks.

The rear noise could be a bad wheel bearing, but definitely check the brakes first. It would be good to clean and lube the caliper/pads/pins to make sure it is all OK.
Thanks Aspen, appreciate it!

Originally Posted by ZippyNH
Stock rims? Stock springs?
You MIGHT be rubbing..happens when folks lower a car, change the springs to coilovers and or change to rims with different offset.
Might happen with a blown strut too....you have too look...if something is rubbing or clanking..there should be a mark.
The rear swaybar...if aftermarket MIGHT need lube/new bushings...another thing to look at. Sounds are hard to identify on the internet....good luck.
Yeah all stock, except maybe the swaybar, I haven't checked that yet.

I know, I tried to record the sound, but couldn't really get it - maybe I'll tape my phone to the back bumper, haha. Thanks for the suggestions!
 
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Old 04-11-2014, 04:53 PM
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My a/c went wonky when my low speed cooling fan died. Replaced it, all good.
 
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