Alright, I just switched it up from an '02 Subaru WRX to a 09 MCS.

I don't know what to call the feeling, but when I hit certain bumps, dips, gaps, manholes, when turning or at angles while at speeds above 35mph my steering wheel will buck/snap. Its bugging me as Im just not ready nor used to it and makes me lose confidence when coming into turns. I cant imagine its the difference from AWD to FWD as I have driven quite a few other FWD cars. So, I wanted to see if this is quasi normal for the mini. If so, do any suspension upgrades (sway bar, springs, struts, wheel, tires, adding LSD) reduce the buck? I have the sport pkg and on stock rubber. The DTC is on, and I dont think its the breaking assist causing this either. The car was bought used from the dealer

 

i get it all the time from pothole repairs near my friends house and asphalt/concrete transitions by my house. i've gotten used to it (sport susp, tsw springs, run-flats) and no longer jerk the wheel back when it happens. it's very disconcerting at first, i've learned to "read" the road ahead and anticipate a little when im paying attention. i think its not as bad after i lowered the car.

 

Do you have an LSD?
I do, and I experience the same thing you do, but its due to the LSD...

 

Slow down and it'll go away!



Kinda like turning up the radio to eliminate the rattles.

 

slow down...well thats what I was afraid I'd hear. Let me clarify its not always brough on from speeding. If on the hwy following the limit and hitting bumps, etc it can skip on me then too.
Its a shame as my previous car didnt do that at ALL, and I was hoping better tires and rear sway bar would reduce this...

 

Blame the front suspension lower rear control arm bushings, appears they were specified soft for ride comfort and lowered NVH, but cause too much deflection and hence the bucking.
I switched to non-runflat summer tires last year, did not make a difference.
This is by far the worst attribute of my '09 MCS, a problem not experienced on my previous '04 MC.
I am considering polyurethane bushings or the PSRS, but it's a big labor job...

 

It's not a speeding problem, it's a problem (as stated) caused by chocolate lower control arm bushes.

I'm getting PSRS installed in a couple weeks to deal with this. Also, apparently lowering the car a bit helps a great deal.

 

yeah the above makes sense. I didnt think it was FWD, DTC etc - its a shame.
Anyone who has PSRS installed still have issues?

 

I'll keep you posted with my impressions when I get them installed. If I don't reply within 3 weeks, PM me

 

will do.
thx!

 

I have PSRS on my '08. Yes, it's still an issue, though not as much. Someone suggested on another thread (and echoed above) that this is partially a function of the LSD and DSC throwing power back and forth between wheels as they lose traction. The PSRSs will not help you with that.

A word of caution on the PSRSs, they're really good at what they're designed to do: add caster and limit control arm movement. They're really poor at doing what the OEM control arm bushings also do: dampen vibrations & bumps. So definitely expect increased NVH.

 

powerflex FTW

 

It's normal, indeed. My Clubman S has the worst "torque steer" and what you're describing than any other car I've driven.

Is there a very noticeable ride difference with better bushings? What's the best compromise between better steering control and comfort? I'm willing to sacrifice a little, but I don't race my car on the track (I drive like a maniac in everyday life- ha!) so I need something that won't kill me when I'm also doing everyday driving.

Anyone have experience with these: http://www.mini-madness.com/madness-...bushings.aspx?