Horrible noise under acceleration on Cooper

[Chaz645]

Hi all, 54 plate Mini Cooper, drives fine, pulls through the gears no problem, but under load...say 20mph 3rd gear...i initially get a horrible mettalic noise until the revs get up.

Searched the forum but only seems to throw up reports of squeeling when pulling away...this is different.

Car has covered 60k, original clutch i believe.

[P4ROT]

I had a similar problem on my 57 plate mini one- turned out to be the crank pulley. Cnt say for sure thats what is wrong with yours though!

Dave

[hixxj]

Try adjusting the aluminim plate under the radiator expansion tank - that makes a racket if it is touching anything.

[Chaz645]

Ok guys thanks for the advice, will take a look at both of those things. I had a similar problem on a 350z and it turned out to be a loose heatshield around the exhaust which i just removed....

This noise isn't there when the car is idle and I rev the engine...only when being driven.

Also, im thinking of replacing the run-flat tyres. They all have really good tread but one of them is odd, I have a slow puncture in the n/s/r and also getting a droning noise through the car...although this could be a wheel bearing...? Yep not having much luck at the moment with it!!

What tyres would you recommend changing too? And the best place to buy?

Thanks

[Chaz645]

Ok guys thanks for the advice, will take a look at both of those things. I had a similar problem on a 350z and it turned out to be a loose heatshield around the exhaust which i just removed....

This noise isn't there when the car is idle and I rev the engine...only when being driven.

Also, im thinking of replacing the run-flat tyres. They all have really good tread but one of them is odd, I have a slow puncture in the n/s/r and also getting a droning noise through the car...although this could be a wheel bearing...? Yep not having much luck at the moment with it!!

What tyres would you recommend changing too? And the best place to buy?

Thanks

[DrainTheSpuds]

Chaz645 said:

Also, im thinking of replacing the run-flat tyres. What tyres would you recommend changing too? And the best place to buy?

It depends on your wheel size, but I've been running Toyo Proxes T1Rs on my 17" wheels for the last year or so, and they really suit the car. For value and service, I'd recommend buying them from Camskill.

[Chaz645]

16's that come with the chilli pack...so £280 the set from camskill (thanks for the link!) Or the falken/Kuhmo's for a bit less?

[DrainTheSpuds]

Chaz645 said:

Or the falken/Kuhmo's for a bit less?

There are lots of people on here who rate the Falkens, so they're probably worth considering too. I've got a mate who has some Kumho tyres, and he thinks they're really good, particularly for the price.

I'd also recommend having a read of this thread over on MINI2.com.

[Chaz645]

Ok thanks again for the advice and the link! Think i will go for the Falkens, its the girlfriends car so not driven hard and its mainly used around town so not worried about loosing the run-flats.

Few things, should we be checking witht the insurance company before we scrap the run-flats? Also, whats the favoured compressor to keep in the boot?

[Chaz645]

Ok Insurance is fine.

Would you suggest sticking to the original tyre size when switching to non rft's? 195/55/r16?

Trying to get kwik fit to price match camskill inc fitting but they say they wont fit non rft's as the rims are different and it causes problems with the sensors.....

[DrainTheSpuds]

Chaz645 said:

Would you suggest sticking to the original tyre size when switching to non rft's? 195/55/r16?

Absolutely.

Chaz645 said:

Trying to get kwik fit to price match camskill inc fitting but they say they wont fit non rft's as the rims are different and it causes problems with the sensors.....

I've heard of this before. The non RF tyres will fit the rims, and in my experience, the sensors are actually more stable than they were when I had runflats, where I used to get false alarms regularly. They've only triggered twice since swapping to standard tyres, and each time, it was because I'd picked up a nail. Find a tyre fitter that wants the work; you won't have to look far. I get Hi Q to fit mine.

Chaz645 said:

Also, whats the favoured compressor to keep in the boot?

Most compressors on the market will do the job. Obviously some are smaller than others, so if you need to use the already-limited boot to carry anything, get a slimline one. Also, make sure you invest in some Holt's Tyre Weld too, at least one can. I managed to find a twin-pack for a few quid, and it fits neatly into the cubby at the right-hand side of the boot.

As per your previous post about insurance, you should inform them as technically, it's an upgrade to the car. My insurance company didn't charge me anything extra, but they issued a new certificate with the note 'Tyre Upgrade'.

[Chaz645]

Changed all of the tyres to Falken non RFT and rides much better

But i still have this "droning" noise, convinced its a wheel bearing. Is this a common problem with these cars and where is the best place to source one?

thanks

Edited by Chaz645 on Thursday 8th April 15:09

[Gazzab]

Chaz645 said:

Changed all of the tyres to Falken non RFT and rides much better

But i still have this "droning" noise, convinced its a wheel bearing. Is this a common problem with these cars and where is the best place to source one?

thanks

Edited by Chaz645 on Thursday 8th April 15:09

Oooh did u ever get to the bottom this? I have a droning from the front of my mini - I think its a wheel bearing...?

[Gazzab]

ps mine was the wheel bearing. Sorted as part of MOT by a local garage.

[srdtvr]

Back to the original post - our 2003 Cooper S has a rattle under acceleration sounds very top end - nothing on tick over or when not accelerating - Any ideas anyone ?
Also how much is a replacement "midland" gearbox for a 2004 Cooper - can anyone recommend a supplier for a re-con box near Watford Herts ?
Thanks