a few days after tracking my Mini, it started making this loud clunking sound when decelerating or crawling in traffic. haven't used it since.

took it to a few shops to have the suspension checked, and they said either it's either the tie-rod or front control arm bushing

i have a couple of questions...

1. when applying pressure to the control arm, it's moving by a couple of millimeters. is this normal?

2. on the tie rod assembly, is the "rod" itself supposed to be moving? (like a rolling motion)

any inputs would be great

 

because a lot of them have gone...

Matt

 

how should i be able to distinguish the sound between a worn tie rod & bushing?

last time i used my Mini, it only makes the sound when crawling in traffic & decelerating/braking.

 

front bushing failures. Basically you're looking for motion at the front control arm busing. A mm maybe, more and your looking at problems there. A shot tie rod would have slac as you tried to move the wheel like it moves for steering.

Matt

 

lose wheel bolts...