Ok, So I'm 9 months into my Mini countryman ownership and this month's problem is: (drum roll please)
I'm not getting a creeking/groaning noise when I go over bumps coming from the rear end.
I had just replaced the rear sway bar bushing due to a nice clunking noise from the rear, the clunk is gone, but now there's this groan/ creeking noise. (that's the only way to describe it. like an old bed or couch)
the struts seem to bounce just fine when rocking the car..
Going to take it all apart next week to put new bearings in, what should I be looking for?

 

Poly sway bar bushings? Did you lube them? If not, that may be your noise. Also, check the end links to ensure they're bolted in properly (correct torque spec).

 

oooooh I did not lube them! (I've only used ones that had zerk fittings on them on past cars)
Inside? outside? both?
I was going to replace the links while I was swapping out the bearing hubs while I had everything apart for good measure. (already ordered ones with zerk fittings)

These were the ones I got - Not the super stiff poly ones. 16mm ones.

 

Not a big deal to pull the sway bar bushings and lube them inner and outer to see if that solves your problem. I have poly bushings throughout the rear of my R53 and they do make noise when dry.

 

Exactly! great thought!
Going to try this hopefully tomorrow or Monday if not when it actually gets into the 50s
thanks!

 

That was it!
Took the new ones out, greased them and popped em back in.
Noise is now gone!

Thank you! I wouldn't have thought to grease em if they didn't have the zerk fitting.

 

My rear sway bar bushings were getting a bit creaky over bumps and lubricating them did the trick.

 

You're welcome. Glad I could help since I've received so much help on this forum myself.