Hey guys,

I just wanted to see if anyone experienced the same "clunking" noise me and my bf have on the MCS. When I start moving in first its a clunk and while I'm going in reverse.. is this something normal in the MINI? I'm trying to figure out if I should bring it to the dealer or it's something I can fix myself.

 

If you have a 6speed it's normal for the gearbox to clunk when you shift, especially in the lower gears. Not sure if that's your problem, though...

 

Do you mean the occasional "thunk" after you get moving? Or is this something that happens all the time, right as you launch?

 

I noticed the same thing, I think, a few weeks ago. When you change directions, right? Coming from near the front, maybe near the wheel? I noticed it for a few weeks but maybe I got used to it. I'll pay attention and see if I still notice it today.

 

Check your motor mounts. The noise is not normal.

 

bump.

so any word on this problem?

i think i may be having the same problem.

any help please.

 

Not normal? Motor mounts? That's quite a leap. While that might be it, it's not all that likely.

 

Clunking due to bad motor mounts is a well known and not uncommon problem.

So what's your diagnosis, given the very limited info? Got anything constructive to add?

 

Sounds like a motor mount problem to me. There shouldn't be any clunking sounds when you start moving. The gearbox clunk is while you change gears, not when you first start moving.

 

i had a clunk when engaging first or reverse.
they ended up replacing the left front axle assembly.
noise taint there no more...

 

If the sound is more like a "clack" (think billiard ***** hitting), then it could be a loose axle nut.

 

I also hear a bump type of noise when I start off, but only after the car has sat for awhile. I do not hear it after the initial bump, therefore I do not believe it is the motor mounts. Maybe a loose brake stator? I am not sure where the bump noise is coming from but it appears to be on the passenger side rear and not under the hood. I also thought it might be a loose sound deadening panel in the headliner shifting rearward as I take off. Anyway I have no idea what it is and the dealer is worthless. I have had this problem since the car was new.

 

I too have had to have the axle replaced. Even though it may have been just the axle nut. Do a search of that and it may shed some light on your situation. There has been more than one trhead started about noise coming from the wheel/axle area.

 

A sticking brake caliper in the back from using the handbrake? Just a wild guess, I've had that bump sound from the rear after the car has been sitting for a while, especially if I parked it wet due to rain or if I wash it.

 

My friend has an '06 WRX STI and experienced the same "clunk" sound when starting to move forward or reverse. It turned out to be a motor mount that broke from hard launches.

Your description sounds similar.

-

 

All, want to resurrect this thread as I am having the same problem-- clunking when starting off in first gear or reverse. The noise is definitely coming from the passenger side, and I suspected the axle/axle nut. I tried re-torque-ing the axle nut to no avail and then proceeded to replace the axle. Noise is still there. I'm starting to suspect either motor mounts, possibly exhaust hangers/alignment (exhaust hitting the body/heat shield) or some sort of brake pad shifting issue.

Could someone who has had experience with bad motor mounts chime in and shed some light on the symptoms?

Thanks,
Mike

 

Mike,

A few months ago, the oil filled upper motor mount (my second one) blew out. I'm still trying to decide on OEM or aftermarket replacement part. In the meanwhile I started noticing a clunking sound. The sound is very similar to the loose axle nut but not as sharp. Think clack vs clunk.

I think you must be right! I'm going to get off my butt and replace that motor mount ASAP! I'll post the result when I'm done.

Thanks for the nudge,
John

PS: Merry Christmas!

 

John-

You were right. I replaced the passenger side engine mount and presto- no more noises. Thanks for the info. Happy New Year!

-Mike

 

Hey Mike,

Glad to hear you found a fix! What kind of motor mount did you use to replace the one that failed?

John

 

Hi John,

I used a stock mount from pelicanparts.com. I realize I will likely need to replace it again in another 25k miles, but at $70 it was not that expensive.

Best,
Mike

 

I installed the TSW motor mount today. The good news is that the clunking sound went away like yours did. The bad news is that installation of the TSW unit is a bit fussy. The shock tower connector is adjustable and it's a bit of a guess as to how long to set it. Setting it too long or too short increases noise and vibration from the engine. I ended up shortening it four times (1/2 turn at a time) before getting to a reasonable vibration level - though it is still not ideal.

 

I'm just now noticing the same thing up front (driver side) on my new mini as well (07-S-Auto).

How hard is it to replace the motor mount? I have relatively limited resources but I'm pretty good with a wrench.

I'll search for a DIY, sorry in advance if there already is one.

 

Thruxton,

The failed motor mount is generally from the driver's right side of the engine compartment-- you mentioned driver's side, but did not indicate if your Mini is LHD or RHD. In any case, there is a good DIY on this forum that I found-- try a search. Generally, the job is pretty easy, but you need a jack to keep the engine stationary after you remove the upper mount bracket. The engine/bracket can be a bit difficult to realign properly, but a jack will help with this.

 

thanks man, I'll check around. Mines LHD - lol i forgot i have to specify -