Hi everyone, I just have a quick question, I feel like there is a squeaking component of my rear passenger suspension and I just want to get down there and spray some WD-40 on the joints and bushings and what not and I just wanted to run this question by anyone on here to make sure that its safe for the components down there. I was reading about the uses for WD-40 and I heard its not safe for any types of plastics and wanted to make sure there isnt anything down there I could deterioriate with the WD-40.

Thanks

Peter

 

WD-40 is more of a solvent rather than a lubricant. Do you know what is squeaking? It may be something that requires an actual oil or maybe a grease. If it is really bad why not visit Pete at Greasy's Garage in Worcester. I'm sure he can fix you right up with his magic lube.

 

I’m not really sure what it is considering I have so many rattles and creeks in the car (build quality Epic Fail) but I've noticed it recently while not exactly hitting bumps in the road but over "wavy" patches, something that would make the suspension rapidity compress – decompress. I’m just currently in the state of trying to figure out where and what’s rattling/ squeaking ect.

So far I’ve got the…
Tach rattle.
Buzz above passenger sun visor
Squeaky passenger seat
Rattling passenger headrest
Rattling in sunroof (sounds like somewhere near the dome light, suspected because the rollers are quite loose, you can put your hand in there in move them up and down)
Possibly suspension mentioned in OP
Possible rattling door locks tabs.
Possible dash rattle
Metronome like ticking from passenger side of car. See Ultra101’s post https://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/stock-problems-issues/181360-multiple-ticks-on-acceleration-sounds-like-a-metronome.html

The car is in fine running order but as for NHV issues it’s a different story.
Dflake you know what I’m talking about when I say the roads around here are crap. I attribute all of these to driving into Boston everyday for school last semester and just the quality of the rest of the roads.

 

no wd-40 unless you want to dry out the part and have it fall apart.. would get rid of the squeak, but not a good idea.

Common squeak in the back is the sway bar bushings, you could take that apart, clean out and re-grease (lithium grease).. i bet its dry and dirty.

phil.

 

your probably right about it being dry and dirty element, the roads are just covered in sand and salt right now and my car is covered with crap, I was just under there with a flashlight and its all just covered in the de-hydrated road salt like the rest of the car. This is exacltly why I posted this question.
I think I'll just have to live with it for now, I dont have any of the tools or the space to take anything apart right now, and its 26 out so I dont want to be outside haha.
come spring I may just upgrade to a Alta swaybar anyways.

Thanks

oh and daflake thanks for turning me on to Greasy’s I'd never heard of them before and after looking at the site it might be where I go if I need anything seeing as they specialize in MINI clientel.

Thanks

Peter

 

If you must use WD-40 use the stuff in the in the pump bottle or in the gallon can and put it in a pump bottle. Do not use the stuff in the spray can, it's mostly propellent and not worth a s**t.

 

Be careful with ALTA...check the reviews on this site before you buy, otherwise you may be adding to your sound effects list.

 

Do not spray petroleum-based solvents (lubes) on rubber parts, such as sway bar bushings and ball joint boots, it will damage the rubber. On stock suspension parts, spraying lube on them will almost never stop squeaking. You'll probably have to get a little more in depth with diagnosing what exactly is making the noise.

 

I have the same problem with that stuff right now here on the cape. The roads are just nasty right now. You are welcome for the recommendation. He is the mech of choice in our area for items outside of warranty and will take great care of you. Many of us drive long distance to have him work on our MINIs. I promise that you won't be disappointed.

 

+1 on the reccomendation. I drive to Greasy's from the Nausha NH area!!

 

I guess im lucky that im only ~ 50 miles or so, once the car is a little older and I have some extra money I'll definatly be stopping by greasys.

as for spraying anything down there Im not going to, It was exactly my concern about the bushings and joints and what not down there that are made of some sort of plastic for cost cutting reasons that I didnt feel safe about just spraying away down there. Funny thing is that two days ago I had called MINI and asked if it was ok and they said it was fine, but that I should bring it in cause it could be a safetly concern. I dont need to bring it in for a few hours so they can tell me it was just dirty..

an oil change should be coming up soon so im going to take it in with all of my problems then, Its just too cold outside to work on the car my self right now.

 

Practically everything is a potential safety concern from the dealership's perspective, since they don't want to get sued just in case something does go wrong. It's the mechanic's version of practicing defensive medicine...'yup, we'd better run all these tests on you just to make sure it's not something really bad'.