I hit an unmarked speed bump the other day and now my poor Mini has an issue on the right side. When I turn the steering wheel there is a grinding sound coming from the strut area and there is oil on both the strut and the wheel well. I assume this is a strut that has now failed and needs to be replaced but I want to confirm with the bright minds here

 

Oil on the strut is indicative of a failure, but I can't say I've ever seen a leaky strut leave oil on the wheel well.
Also, can't see where a bad strut would lead to a grinding sound - maybe a wheel bearing?

 

Thanks for responding Eric, as it turns out the Guide Support Mount is shot which has a bearing in it that is making noise when the steering wheel is turned and the strut is for sure leaking oil everywhere (kinda smelly and messy). Going to start getting the parts to get it fixed.

 

Always replace struts in pairs -- both fronts

 

I am on the fence about getting the Koni FSDs or just a pair of OEM type struts....

 

The OEMs stink. Get Koni FSD for an OEM replacement or Koni Yellow if you want something a little sporty. Both will ride better than stock.

 

I just ordered the FSDs and the new strut mount plates AND some strut tower defenders. I was thinking about selling the car in the next few months but guess I will keep it at least another year .

 

Nice choice! I'm sure you're going to like the new feel

 

+1, I have had the FSDs on for 6 + months now and love them.

 

Installed the FSDs today, oh what a difference!

 

2002 MCS 145,000 miles I just installed a set of Sachs Sport Strut on all four corners, Mini Madness tower reinforcement plates, strut bushings, inner ball joints all from Pelican. Then I threw on a new set of Sumitomo HTR ZIII's and a four wheel align. Wow it drives just like the day I bought the car 11 years ago (after I got rid of the run flats of course). I don't run the car on the track anymore, so I'm a fan of OEM replacements for daily driving. Delphi were the factory struts on the car. But the Sach's specs are comparable.

If your car has over 75,000 I suggest you take a close look at your control arm bushings. They "will" fail...

If your struts aren't leaking and you have 100K on your car.....the struts are worn out. They wear out on the inside and may not leak. When I removed my originals they still had good resistance when I pushed on them. That doesn't matter....its under driving conditions that the internal valving does not function properly.