2006 MC JCW 55,000 km (35,000 miles)

Noticed a "problem" that has popped up about a week ago and seems to be happening more frequently as time passes.

The clunk seems to be coming from the front passenger side wheel. I can hear it when applying power from a full stop (i.e. stopped at red light, then taking off like a "normal" person when the light turns green). I hear a definite clunk or pop just as the car starts rolling. The sound also happens sometimes when I apply power after shifting from 1st to 2nd, but at no other time.

No rattling or clunking when rolling over bumps or rough pavement. No thrumming as if it would be a bad bearing. Car does not reproduce the sound when emergency brake on and clutch is engaged without causing a stall.

What do you think it could be? Output shaft going bad? Bad ball joint? Anything you suggest I should check before bringing it in to the shop?

Thanks

 

I assume you are not getting any clunking when turning, correct? My first thought was inner or outer CV joint but they usually don't go bad with so few miles unless you have a rip in the CV boot and they are running with little or no grease.

 

I think you're on the right track jnathan68. Does OP have an aftermarket axle in the car (are the splines good)? Your ebrake test is a good one and would seem to eliminate motor mounts, but knowing these cars, check your mounts.

 

I'd think mounts and bushings, in that order. I have a similar clunk when starting off the line (normal driving) and at a recent trip to the dealer (for an unrelated issue) the tech said my mounts needed replacing.

 

If it sounds like 2 pool ***** hitting each other I would go with the CV joints as i had that with mine with about the sme mileage

 

motor mount

 

Any updates?
In my experience, the OEM fluid filled mounts seem to last about 35,000 miles....worth a look.

 

Passenger side motor mount. Look for the typical staining from the hydro fluid. Then with hood open have someone carefully start in first then stop and repeat and you see it moving and the noise should be easy to pinpoint with the hood up.

 

+1 on checking the upper engine mount. Then check the lower mount while at it.

The visual way to check it to look for the leaking black residue on the inside rail of the side, near the engine passenger side. It will be coming from the mount on the front or backside , so check both.





In diagram #3 .

Upper Engine Mount Part number 22116778610


http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/SiteSearch/22116778610/



&

#7 in the diagram. Part number 22116756406


http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/SiteSearch/22116756406/



Check the lower engine mount while you at it. Its located on the backside of the engine down near the frame. Look for separation of the large bushing in the rear.

Thanks and hope that helps.

 

My 02 R53 made the same clunk under load. This was fixed by the previous owner as a condition of sale. He replaced all engine mounts shown above but advised the culprit was the gearbox mount, Might pay to check that area first??

 

It was the upper motor mount, although I never noticed the tell-tale "motor mount puke". I may have washed it away earlier this summer when I did a quick engine shampoo.

Car is at a local private shop with tons of experience working on MINIs getting this fixed

Thanks for the input guys!