A few days ago I installed H&R Sport Springs on my (R56) Cooper S and while driving slow, hitting bumps and imperfections on the road, I hear a clunking or knocking sound. I went to Firestone to get an all wheel alignment and paid them extra to check the suspension set up. They removed the wheels and torqued every nut and bolt down there. They said the spring installation was an excellent job and I should not worry about suspension failing or anything. Everything is nice and tight but I always get this Clunking/Knocking sound!!
I've done research for days and I feel it might be the dead coils knocking against each other on the springs. Not sure. Any of you MINI owners experience this with your springs?

 

I have a similar sounding situation...

Mini/BMW didn't find anything with a cursory look.

That said, another member here had a clunk he sourced to the upper mounts. He found it by compressing the springs with the car on jacks. That took the load off the upper mounts allowing them to move more freely than they should. When he turned the steering, the clunk could be felt through the shock itself by placing a hand on it.

Be careful of pinch points should you try this! Squashed fingers hurt!!

I haven't tried this yet - I don't have spring compressors or the time to go back to BMW to try again with them...

Do keep us updated on what you find!
E

2012 MCS Sport susp, stock underpinnings, 31xxxKM

 

What year is your MCS and how many miles do you have on it? Can you be more precise with location of this clunking sound (front suspension, rear suspension, left or right side)? Wouldn't be surprised if the bearing(s) in your upper strut mount guides are shot (especially if your MCS is mid to higher mileage) and are causing the clunk your hearing. Isn't the first time I've herd people who run aftermarket lowering springs with the stock strut assembly & stock upper strut mount guides have "clunking issues".

 

Doubt its a bearing. I hear it from the front suspension. The other guy may be right. Ill probably take it apart and tighten with load on it. I also did not cut my bump stops which may be the case and I will do that. But the sound sounds more mechanical, Like metal on metal. Its a 13' Cooper S with less than 10,000 miles on it.

 

Check the big nut at the top of the strut, if loose at all you will get noise.

Ask me how I know

Nik

 

How you know? Hahahahaha

 

Sounds like you got it all figured out.