When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Stock Problems/IssuesDiscussions related to warranty related issues and repairs, or other problems with the OEM parts and software for MINI Cooper (R50), Cabrio (R52), and Cooper S (R53) MINIs.
In an attempt to find the source of a slight grinding noise while slowing from the front end of my 2004 MCS, I noticed the end links have some slight scratches on the lower end near the axle. I think under front end load like while braking or hitting dips in the road the end links are making slight contact with the axle. I can’t find anything else about this so I am wondering if anyone has heard of this happening and what can be done to remedy it. The front rotors, pads, hubs and tires are all new so I don’t believe any of those are the issue. The sway bar end links are new as well. Thanks.
Thanks for the quick replies. Yes, struts and springs are stock and struts are new. I’ll attempt to add a photo. It’s a little tricky to capture the scratches.
That's the bottom of the rear end link, correct? Pretty sure the oem endlink has a plastic button and is not steel. Way has forgotten more about MINIs then many of us will ever know.
Yep, the end links that I have do appear wider so that would explain the issue. My first goal was to get this car running and now I’m trying to get it to run better. I’ll have to add another set of end links to my list. Thanks!
Hello everyone new to nam and was wondering if someone could help me out after replacing lca bushing and sway bar links I found a grinding when decelerating
so after looking around I noticed my sway bar links were rubbing my axle it turns out the ebay links I used were the ones built to big so I got 2 new moog say bar links from autozone and even though they are thinner they are still right up against my axle and appear to rubbing ever so slightly still did I put something back together wrong or is this normal any insight would be greatly appreciated thank you.
Hello everyone new to nam and was wondering if someone could help me out after replacing lca bushing and sway bar links I found a grinding when decelerating
so after looking around I noticed my sway bar links were rubbing my axle it turns out the ebay links I used were the ones built to big so I got 2 new moog say bar links from autozone and even though they are thinner they are still right up against my axle and appear to rubbing ever so slightly still did I put something back together wrong or is this normal any insight would be greatly appreciated thank you.
Super old thread but I have a similar issue where the sway bar end link rubs against the driveshaft when the steering wheel is fully cranked to the right.
Is this an original or aftermarket sway bar end link? Not sure how long it's been like this but looks like definitely for a while. I recently got this from a friend for next to nothing as he bought an M4.
@WayMotorWorks For some reason, I can't access your website. I'm in Canada if that matters.
Have you checked the other side ?
The bar may have just moved to that side, leaving an excess clearance on the other side.
Force the bar over and keep an eye on it.
I'll be checking mine tomorrow..!
Thanks for posting this problem.
As I said, the bar moved sideways within its bushings.
If the clearance is equal on both sides, the bar is in...the center of the chassis, right ? If the bar has moved to one side or the other, less clearance on one side...more clearance...on the other side.
Unless your lower control arm is moving front to rear (bad bushing) an excessive amount, that can also happen.
So again, as long as your control arm bushing(s) are in good shape, just force the anti-sway bar back to the center position.
If you are wondering...NO, the anti-sway bar is not bending..!
As I said, the bar moved sideways within its bushings.
If the clearance is equal on both sides, the bar is in...the center of the chassis, right ? If the bar has moved to one side or the other, less clearance on one side...more clearance...on the other side.
Unless your lower control arm is moving front to rear (bad bushing) an excessive amount, that can also happen.
So again, as long as your control arm bushing(s) are in good shape, just force the anti-sway bar back to the center position.
If you are wondering...NO, the anti-sway bar is not bending..!
Mike
Ah, ok that makes sense now. I'll have to check that. Thanks!
Just a follow up on this, I replaced the two front shocks as one was blown and leaking and it seemed to have resolved this. I tried to push the sway bar over to the left but couldn't get it to budge, but can confirm that the sway bar end link no longer touches the drive axle. Thanks!
03-23-2018, 04:52 PM
