Suspension Springs, struts, coilovers, sway-bars, camber plates, and all other modifications to suspension components for Cooper (R50), Cabrio (R52), and Cooper S (R53) MINIs.

Suspension Suspension is making weird noises

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Old Feb 15, 2011 | 05:43 PM
  #1  
jam3s's Avatar
jam3s
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1st Gear
Joined: Apr 2010
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From: SoCal
Suspension is making weird noises

My car has been all stock suspension until I put in after market springs about a year ago. However I recently have purchased KW coilovers and installed them. After I installed the coilovers, there were no sounds from the suspension and it seemed to be fine.
After I readjusted the coilovers after a month later and got alignment for them, my suspension started to make noises whenever I go over small uneven pavement and especially when I go over bumps. The suspension makes squeaking and clunking noises. Its been really bugging me so I took it to the shop but they said nothing seems to be wrong with my coilovers. I know there shouldn't be any noise whatsoever. Does anyone know what the problem might be and where the noise is coming from?
 
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Old Feb 15, 2011 | 06:41 PM
  #2  
Bug Magnet's Avatar
Bug Magnet
1st Gear
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 16
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From: north of Austin, Texas
Upper Strut Mounts

Mine made creaking noises (mostly when cold) when turning the steering wheel. Turned out to be broken upper strut mount (passenger side).
BM
 
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Old Feb 16, 2011 | 08:29 AM
  #3  
quikmni's Avatar
quikmni
6th Gear
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 2,486
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From: Orcutt, CA
There are a couple common things that could make noise.
- Top strut bearing. If still the stock rubber bearing, it could be ripped/torn. If using adjustable camber plates, the metal bearing it might need to be lubed.
- Coil or top strut plate could now be rubbing on car if negative camber was increased during alignment. Especially on the driver side, there is a bump (drain) that runs down the body where the strut can rub. I had to pound the bump down to provide clearance when I added camber plates and increased the negative camber.
- Could be the lower control arm bushings.
 
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Old Feb 16, 2011 | 09:32 AM
  #4  
N2MINI's Avatar
N2MINI
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Joined: Feb 2007
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Go to KW's website and looks for info/fixes there, if no luck go to Megan Racings web site and they have a possible fix for you. It worked on my Megans...

Took adjuster **** off the fronts and put in allen wrench in place of it and used a wrench to tighten a bolt that goes around that stem.. This fixed the clunking noise..

As far as the squeaks the upper and lower spring perches may need to be lubricated as the coilsprings actually move some as the suspension works and may be causing the noise..

If nothing else it's a place to start before replacing parts...
 
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