2007 Mini; 97,000 miles; I'm original owner.

For the entire time I've owned Cooper, when I park in my garage, shut down, unload, I hear sounds from the rear suspension that I have always assumed was the suspension unloading or something like that.

For the past two days, from the right rear, when I go over a substantial bump, I hear a squeak/squish. Not every bump, just the really big ones. Only the right rear. No sound on cornering, even hard cornering.

Handling, braking, acceleration -- everything is fine.

Any ideas?

 

The first sound you are describing sounds like the on-board vacuum pump doing it's thing to check the EVAP system. Should be coming from the right rear fender area, just behind the passenger door. Totally normal. The other sound may be a worn rear sway bar end link. or a loose rear hatch latch mechanism.