Hi all,
I don't post very much here but I've been around reading threads. Anyways, the top of my front right struts vibrate when im turning in slow parking lot speeds and the dealer claims it to be bad mounts. I'm not too comfortabe with switching out the mounts but I sourced another shop who could do the two front struts and mounts for 540 out the door. The problem is I'm planning to switch cars in 2 years. Do you guys think it's still worth it to fix this issue? Or is the issue not detrimental that I could still get by for another 2 years. The mounts themselves arent cracked and no leaks can be seen but just that the top of the mounts where the bearings and center bolt is located vibrates when turning the wheel to the right along with some squeaking clicking noises. Thanks in advance

 

What model, year, and how many miles?

It could be the top mounts, it could also be the CV joint is worn out.

 

itrs a 2012 justa r56 with around 69000 miles. If it was the cv joints how come the driver side struts are ok though. This also all happened after hitting a pretty big pothole on the passenger side

 

I'm no mechanic. These are just opinions. Speaking generally, if something is moving that isn't supposed to move, it's going to get worse, possibly wearing out anything connected to it as well. If my car, I would fix or pay to get fixed or it may not make it 1 year, let alone 2. IMHO, also doesn't sound very safe to drive a car that has parts of the suspension loose.

 

I had same issue with my 2007 S when it was new... passenger side... same noises. Inspect the top of shock mount - you can probably see it is blown... when mine blew out the mount bearing... it knocked the plastic cap clean out! IMO it is not safe to drive like that... phony up and fix it. Also inspect the shock to see if you damaged it as well - look for oil leaking.

 

The upper front strut mounts on these MINI's are a bit disappointing. Simple ball bearings. How long do they expect those to last? Mine were shot to hell before 40k miles, the wifes 2013 Justa Convertible is making the "noise" at 45k. I tried to "upgrade" mine with Monroe units. Those rattled after less than 10k miles. Trying KYB parts next. I have already taken those apart, added some red grease, and also added an o-ring under the flimsy little washer that is on top of where the bearing rides. I know I live in dusty conditions, but the original design sucks. I have seen better upper strut mounts on GM cars from the 90's!

 

Hitting a big pot hole you should also check that wheel and make sure it didn't get knocked out of round or get a major dent in the rim.

 

Thanks for the input guys. Will be getting some new struts and mounts the beginning of January

 

Good move.... I am rebuilding all mine with B4 Bilsteins as my original OEM shocks are done... I have no need for a more expensive option as I only use this car for commuting anymore.... good luck!

 

I mentioned the possibility of a bad CV joint since you described a clicking noise when the wheel is turned. When driving, if you get a "click-click-click-click" when you turn the wheel right or left, then very likely you have a worn out CV joint. Check the rubber boots over the joints.

Sounds like you are getting the noises when turning the wheel while the car is stopped, which indicates a problem with the struts and/or top mounts. Let us know what you find.

 

hi all,
a quick update:
so i ended up getting the b4 bilstein oe replacements installed yesterday and so far no noises or clicks. also got these hella 500ff's put in while i was there :D what do you guys think?

 

Looks good! I just put B4's on all around on my 2007 also.... Pretty nice shock for the price and I have the new car ride back... except a bit squeakier all round than when new!! You like yours?

 

thanks! Haven't heard any squeaks yet but the ride is definitely better