Mini Cooper S JCW 2005 front shock absorbers..
Discussion
As standard, would they be gas or oil filled? I noticed an odd wet patch right under the N/S/F bumper on mine yesterday. I looked in that area and couldn't see any leaks. The only thing I found was the lower part of the shock absorber was dark (wet dark) along with the lower wishbone, but all this was BEHIND the dark patch on the floor. I've had a quick look and can't see anything else to cause this so assume the shock absorber is leaking. However, looking online quickly, the replacements seem to be gas. If the original is gas then it's not wetness from the shock?
Also, if it isn't the shock where else could it be coming from? I'll check the water tomorrow when the weather is better but it was on the extreme edge of the car, under the N/S/F indicator, so it seems too far away to be coolant plus the wet patch was still there this morning on the driveway, leading me to think it's oil based.
Thanks
Also, if it isn't the shock where else could it be coming from? I'll check the water tomorrow when the weather is better but it was on the extreme edge of the car, under the N/S/F indicator, so it seems too far away to be coolant plus the wet patch was still there this morning on the driveway, leading me to think it's oil based.
Thanks
I'd be inclined to brake cleaner it all off and monitor it. It won't be the engine mount suggested as that's the drivers one and you said nsf. Is it definitely oil? Has you car got headlamp washers? Any other oil leak? Sump, pas, d/shaft etc. Like I say cleaning it is a help perhaps.
If it's losing oil then chances are it's lost its gas too if it's a twin-tube (which means it will likely cavitate and clonk over big bumps), but it might be a monotube on the JCW.
If it's a monotube then, as said, probably fine to just keep an eye on it for now. If it starts clonking over big bumps then time to change.
If it's a monotube then, as said, probably fine to just keep an eye on it for now. If it starts clonking over big bumps then time to change.
Just suffered similar problems with my MINI, although mine is a boggo 2005 Cooper S. I thought it was an engine oil leak. There was a puddle under the car and the whole arch liner was splattered with the stuff. I thought perhaps it was coming from the oil filter/cooler area or maybe from behind one of the pulleys.
Got the car up in the air with the wheel off and I found the shock was shot. The oil was too clean to be motor oil and my dipstick reading hadn't changed.
I degreased the whole area, in fact I cleaned everything and kept an eye on it whilst waiting for my new dampers to arrive.
Got the car up in the air with the wheel off and I found the shock was shot. The oil was too clean to be motor oil and my dipstick reading hadn't changed.
I degreased the whole area, in fact I cleaned everything and kept an eye on it whilst waiting for my new dampers to arrive.
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