Help, I've searched and have not found anything similar to this issue. I have a new to me '06 MCS convertible with new Goodyear Eagle GT's - ditched the run flats and love the improved ride. However, I noticed when I have a passenger riding with me, there is a noticeable vibration and it doesn't seem consistent - the severity seems to vary, not necessarily with anything in particular. Is there a simple explanation or something in the suspension, bushings... that I need to look at? The strut towers do not seem mushroomed but then again, I'm no expert. Thanks for the help!

 

Did the vibrations occur before the tire change?

Some vibrations occur at certain speeds and can go away at higher ones. Perhaps one of your wheels was not properly balanced. I had that happen once before.

Try rotating your tires (front to back on each side). If you happen to have aftermarket rims, and they have centering rings (inside center of wheel), make sure they are seated evenly.

Jack up the front right wheel and attempt to manually wiggle it top-to-bottom and left-to-right. There should be no play. This can give an indication of whether there is a bearing problem or possible ball joint issue. These parts are not something that get loosened/tightened when wheels are changed/mounted. Just an added item to consider testing.

Depends on wear and tear on the struts perhaps? What's your MINI mileage? Also look at the rubber portion of the strut guide support (i.e. top of strut tower under bonnet). Common wear issue is cracks in it.

 

Thanks for the suggestions - the car has 60k miles. The old tires were Dunlop runflats and were so badly cupped and worn, the ride was horrendous. With the new tires I had not noticed any significant vibration until my wife accompanied me on a short road trip, which got me wondering about the suspension, bearings... with an additional weight (not significant, mind you as she's not a large person ) in the passenger seat.

I'll check the bearings and ball joints this weekend and also have the wheel balance checked, but the struts appear to be in good shape. As for the wheels, they're factory so centering shouldn't be the issue.