I recently got new shoes installed on my 2005 mini cooper S, and the mechanic showed me something that he found very odd. The front right shock will move back and forth about 1-2 inches with a little force. The front left does not do this. Ive driven the car for over a year and not noticed any odd feedback that such a thing could cause. Any ideas on what could cause the shock to be able to move back and forth as described, and does such a thing effect the mini cooper in any way??

 

I would find a new mechanic. Mini front struts are just like any other ones. If something is wrong, it should be pretty obvious to a mechanic.

 

An inch or two is huge. My first question would be 'fore - aft' or side to side. Either way, it should be mounted solidly.

 

Front to back

 

Open the hood and look at the top of the strut/shock where it mounts in the engine compartment. The shaft of the shock comes up through a rubber bushing. Look at the bushing, might need a flashlight to see well, to see if it is cracked or torn. If badly torn it will allow the shock to move around.

 

Is it moving from the upper part or bottom? A worn control arm bushing will allow the wheel/suspension assembly to move like you describe. If it's moving from the upper part, I would say it's the strut mount.

 

Thanks for all the input guys. Its dark, so im gonna go look more at it tomorrow!

 

That really sounds like worn out control arm bushings, good chance to upgrade to the powerflex.

 

Definitely time for a new mechanic. I would also guess control arm bushings, possibly tie-rods. In any case, your mechanic should be smarter than this...