03 Cooper S very twitchy on uneven tarmac

[Parfield]

We've owned our bog standard 2003 Cooper S for about 6 months now, and I didn't notice anything wrong with the handling back then but recently (for the last month or two) both myself and the missus have noticed it's very twitchy and feels like it's about to swap ends if it hits a sudden camber change, lorry rut or other piece of remotely iffy tarmac - wet or dry. I've even noticed this while "pressing on" on a dual carriage way slip road. On smooth tarmac "twisties" it seems fine.
Wheel wise it's on the 17s with the original Dunlop run flat tyres, which have seen better days but I still struggle to believe they could be the sole cause unless these cars are very tyre sensitive.

The mileage is only about 23k so I doubt there could be much wear on any suspension components, but is it possible this could be to do with a wayward anti-roll bar link, bushing, steering issue or even a bearing (although it feels like the problem is at the rear this might be a red herring).
It was last serviced in August and passed the MOT in December.

In any case I will probably get a set of new tyres soon - any recommendations that have better ride quality than the originals?
And has anyone got any recommendations for independant Mini specialists in Essex?

Thanks.

[< FORZA WEST]

Alot of tram lining issues are down to Run flat tyres due to the stiffness of the side walls.
Its worth though having the joints and bushes checked and also the tracking just to ensure all is well there.

[haggi]

they do tram line a lot but ditching the heavy ass oem wheels and run flats and some strut braces make the world of difference (it did on my cooper)

and the tracking on the minis needs set up properly with a 4 wheel alignment and the ride height set (60kg in the two front seats, 14kg in the boot and a tank of petrol) if its been done buy someone who doesnt know how to do it (as minis have fully independent suspension) it will feel like you described, to have it done at the dealers is a rip off, go to www.alignmycar.co.uk and tap in your post code as it lists all the places with the right kit

[Parfield]

Thanks, after doing some more research I'm thinking of binning runflats and fitting Toyo Proxes 4s, getting laser alignment done, and sticking a big tin of Holts Tyre Weld in the boot.

[Wilburo]

In the short term, check the pressures, as they're very pressure sensitive.

Go for 32 or 34 psi all round, to taste.

[T1PAU]

Get rid of the runflats they ruin the handling and ride!

Edited by T1PAU on Tuesday 24th March 14:11

[okgo]

They are terrible for it, you are not the first person to say it. One of the reasons I am not a big fan, feels like you are fighting to keep it driving straight all the time.

[Parfield]

Well, I had the runflats replaced with Toyo Proxes 4s, stuck to the same standard size. Also had the alignment checked and the front toe in adjusted (was out on both sides).
Wow, what a difference! The tramlining and bumpsteer have gone totally and the ride quality is noticeably better, also quieter. Much nicer to drive alround now.

[okgo]

Parfield said:

Well, I had the runflats replaced with Toyo Proxes 4s, stuck to the same standard size. Also had the alignment checked and the front toe in adjusted (was out on both sides).
Wow, what a difference! The tramlining and bumpsteer have gone totally and the ride quality is noticeably better, also quieter. Much nicer to drive alround now.

Yes, I am sure that if BMW dropped the run-flats throughout the range they would have many more happy customers.

[nottyash]

Runflats should not cause the tramlining. Our runflats are fine, all they do is make the ride hard as hell.
Could be a suspension issue, either worn or possible damage.

[red355]

nottyash said:

Runflats should not cause the tramlining. Our runflats are fine, all they do is make the ride hard as hell.
Could be a suspension issue, either worn or possible damage.

If the Runflats are worn they can create havoc with the handling. Ours (02 MCS) improved dramatically when we replaced all 4. Its even better on 18" non-runflats

A friends MINI Cooper was verging on dangerous handing until two new front where fitted (17")

[nottyash]

red355 said:

nottyash said:

Runflats should not cause the tramlining. Our runflats are fine, all they do is make the ride hard as hell.
Could be a suspension issue, either worn or possible damage.

If the Runflats are worn they can create havoc with the handling. Ours (02 MCS) improved dramatically when we replaced all 4. Its even better on 18" non-runflats

A friends MINI Cooper was verging on dangerous handing until two new front where fitted (17")

Ours were worn, it still handled fine. Just put a set of runflat Bridgestones on.

[Silent1]

Rear trailing arm bushes also go and give a bit of passive steer from the rear as well.

If it's been sat around a lot they could well perish.

[nottyash]

Silent1 said:

Rear trailing arm bushes also go and give a bit of passive steer from the rear as well.

If it's been sat around a lot they could well perish.

That would do it!

[blownls1e36]

Hi there get somebody to check the front lower arm bushes as these are very common for spliting and giving excessive movement makes the car feel horrible on the road. Can some times feel them knocking if u jab the brake pedal on and off at low speed.