I've heard the issue I have could be a ball joint problem or engine mount problem. Can you determine what it is?

For reference:
- Car has 108k miles
- Lower Control Arm Bushings were replaced 20k miles ago with Powerflex
- Around the same time, I replaced the upper engine mount. New engine mount does not seem to be broken and is not leaking any oil.
- Clutch was replaced with Valeo single mass kit 4 months ago by a professional shop. One of the axles was replaced at the same time because of a CV Joint boot failure.
- About 10k miles ago, I replaced the suspension with Megan Racing coilovers. They are holding up fine, no complaints.

Issue:
- Most of the time, when I pop the clutch or step on/off the accelerator, I hear a metal on metal clunk sound. It's hard to describe but it's definitely metal on metal and a very loud clunk. It seems to be coming from the driver's side but I cannot say for certain since I might be biased being behind the wheel.
- When I jacked the car up on jackstands to do my brakes the other day, I tried tugging left and right on the driver's side rotor to check for any play. As suspected, that rotor did not want to move.
- I do not have any weird sensations or hear the noise get worse when turning sharply. The issue seems to be just as bad if I have the wheel pointed straight.

This is concerning to me because I don't want to pay MINI $120 to diagnose this issue, but I would like to know the urgency of the matter so I know how badly I will need to get this resolved (save up the money or whatever it takes to make it happen before it gets worse).

Feel free to ask me any questions so I can help you know what it's doing.

Thanks in advance!

 

Before going to a MINI dealer, I would call around to some local independent shops for information. The site below has numerous shops listed in your area that may help. Good luck.

 

Check out the other motor/trans mounts. Im thinkin' the trans mount, which is under the lower air box duct, but check out the lower rear mount too. See figure 33 at the Pelican link below to see how the trans mount rubbers look:

http://www.pelicanparts.com/techarti...eplacement.htm

its quick and easy to inspect your motor mounts before you head to a mechanic (see if they separate when gently prying on them with a pry bar or big screwdriver; they should not separate)

Good luck

 

check your sway bar links and check the lower control arm ball joint where it attaches to body.

 

Go over wheel bolt tightening & check if brake pads haven't separated.

 

Friends, I thank you for your help. I finally got the problem diagnosed as a very loose transmission mount. The shop who replaced my clutch helped tighten up the mount free of charge. I can now drive my car without worrying the wheels might fall off! Thank you again for your help.