I finally got my MINI back from the dealer, then noticed during a somewhat "sprited" left turn a rubbing sound. huh. Was able to replicate fairly easily, so I figure it must be the new mud flaps I installed, yeah that's it they must be hitting the tire when the suspension is compressed.

So tonight I pulled the tire and looked around, and for the longest time couldn't find the culprit. Then almost by accident I saw it- it's the CV axle hitting what appears to be an AC line. There's a big rubber bushing on the CV, and I can see where it's been rubbing the metal line. Well at least I found it.

 

I noticed there's quite a bit of travel to that piece of the line, as it's connected on both sides by rubber sections. So it would be easy enough to just lift it up a little and avoid the rubbing. Since I can't hold it up while driving, I did the next best thing and just zip tied the thing to the frame.

 

I then took a brisk cruise around the neighborhood, and confirmed that the rubbing sound is gone now. My questions to the group here are:

Has anyone else run into this? And did you do anything about it, other that tie back the hose?

Can someone confirm that this is in fact an AC line? Meaning absolute worse case, my zip ties break and I rub through the line, then lose all pressure and don't have AC until I replace the hose? I consider that and acceptable amount of risk..

 

Looks like AC line, I had to bend mine up a little for clearance when I lowered my mini 3" on coilovers. It's pretty crazy your rubbing on stock height

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https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...d.php?t=236741

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Cool thanks, fun quick read. Especially the end where it was determined this could never happen at stock height. .

But at least I appear to be in good company with he zip tie fix....

 

If you just got it back from the dealer, why not take it back there and ask them to fix it as it wasn't happening before you dropped it off with them? Then you can get it fixed the correct way.

 

Going to the dealer is a painful process, there are two here and both are an hour away, in opposite directions and neither close to where we live or work. But yes very possible the Vanos replacement they just did could have bumped that AC line down, and I have a feeling we'll be back at the dealer for multiple other issues fairly soon, so the zip tie will be just great until then

 

Hi guys, I know this an old post but this just happened to me. I caught it before the hose broke costing me lots of $$.

I thought it was the right front bearing I had replaced this past summer, but since lowering my car two weeks ago, it caused the line to rub. The tire shop I go to (Big O tires) saw the problem and made a metal hanger to pull the hose out of the way, all at no charge!! Definitely going back when I need new rear breaks!