I was installing the rear fog light and looking around under the car when I saw a crack in the right rear control arm. Only one side is cracked that I can see. What can cause this.

This must be defective, I dont race, I drive winding roads near my house but only once have I felt the dsc come on. I did hear a clunk about a week ago but all I was doing was backing out of my parking spot at work. I know this wasn't there when I got the car since I remember looking underneath. What type effect would this have on driving, and is it safe to drive the car to the dealer for repair, approx 20 miles? This should be a warranty repair right?? Thanks for any help.

 

I have two I took off my '02. If you want em they're yours for the cost of shipping.....

Matt

 

Several people have had them break, I have seen the pictures here or at MINI2. I definitely would not drive until fixed.

 

Yep, there have been three or four known occurrences of this. I would call Roadside Assistance and have it picked up. This will be safer and let the dealer know you consider this to be a serious problem.

 

Yep been there, done that. Dealer would not cover it under warranty...there was a "micro-abrasion" of curb rash on the right rear rim and their comment was I must have hit something to cause this. Don't recall ever curbin or bumping into anything..... Good luck let us know what happened

My tale with pictures below.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...en+control+arm

 

..... and they all seem to be that same lower on the right side. Note that they are breaking accross where those holes are.

 

Interesting location of the crack. I believe after 03, the control arm had solid holes. My open hole control arms were replaced with arms w/ solid holes...(my replacement control arm has the solid holes) yet the crack occurs at the same spot. The reason my control arm is so bent is that I continued to drive not knowing that a crack was in place and continued hard cornering bent the @#$% out of it. Have it towed to the dealer. Again let us know what happens. I would be curious to find out if yours is replaced under warranty, and if so if MINIUSA would refund the $$$$ I paid for replacing a defective part.

 

I know of one as well

http://www.kcminiacs.org/forums/view...broke&start=25

go to the end of the posts

This is not an isolated incid4ent, point this out and this forum as proof, They should cover it under warranty

 

I had one of mine crack and bend as well. Roadside Assistance towed it for free. It was a looong tow too. They fixed it under warranty after looking and seeing no sign of damage caused by something hitting it. This was at MINI of Mountain View near San Jose, CA.

 

Thanks for everyone's help. I am having MINI tow it to Bob Smith MINI tomorrow morning. I'll keep you updated on the result.

 

I have an extra one from an S that you can have for the cost of shipping if your warranty doesn't cover it.

 

Yes the repair was done under warranty by Bob Smith MINI including wheel alignment. No problems - done the same day. I was prepared for a fight but they stated since they could find no damage that may have caused the crack that it would be a warranty repair. So far so good with this dealer, of course no loaner since I didn't purchase my car with them. Good luck.

Thanks to everyone - Steve