Knocking noise -help/advice please
Discussion
Our Mini (2009 first) recently started to make a slight knocking noise mostly from the front left corner but sometimes the right, unsure to be honest but is front focused. Its been the the dealer twice now (BMW knights) and on both occasions they have come back saying all components are in tact and no signs of broken or worn parts. (Checked steering rack, engine mounts and suspension apparently).
In addition to taking it to BMW I took it to an independent garage who I trust, they put the car on a ramp and conducted a test where it specifically tests the suspension and that came back too with no obvious faults (however this was done when the car suspension was under load with the cars weight). They said the same, all parts appear intact and unless they begin to spend hours taking it all apart it will be hard to find the fault, sort of hoped for more of an answer than that but being none mechanic at all I didn't wish to ask or offend by saying look again. (Beginning to think its just me)
I feel somewhat disappointed that in 3 visits to the garage this noise is still apparent and if anything progressively getting worse, I appreciate these professionals have all cast their eye over the car and all appears intact but on my last visit to the independent garage when he took it for a test drive he did hear a slight knocking noise and agreed there was something there, perhaps suggested replacing drop links???? But he said that was guess and might not be related
The noise in question is a very light almost hollow knocking noise and happens mostly on uneven surfaces, not full bumpy roads where the suspension is fully working, more just on a bobbley surface where it makes the rattle/knocking noise. It also does this sometimes over speedbumps etc so to not rule that scenario out completely but not as often.
Can anyone offer up any advice on what to do next and if you know anyone having a similar issues with their mini, I am ideally looking to go back to the garage with some more advice and perhaps ask them to look at a particular part or even replace it as a process of elimination until the issue is resolved starting with these drop links but wanted to gather some additional advice before committing to the work as he said that was guessing
Car is a Mini First 2009, owned from new so familiar with its history and never had any issues other than this knocking noise.
Thanks
In addition to taking it to BMW I took it to an independent garage who I trust, they put the car on a ramp and conducted a test where it specifically tests the suspension and that came back too with no obvious faults (however this was done when the car suspension was under load with the cars weight). They said the same, all parts appear intact and unless they begin to spend hours taking it all apart it will be hard to find the fault, sort of hoped for more of an answer than that but being none mechanic at all I didn't wish to ask or offend by saying look again. (Beginning to think its just me)
I feel somewhat disappointed that in 3 visits to the garage this noise is still apparent and if anything progressively getting worse, I appreciate these professionals have all cast their eye over the car and all appears intact but on my last visit to the independent garage when he took it for a test drive he did hear a slight knocking noise and agreed there was something there, perhaps suggested replacing drop links???? But he said that was guess and might not be related
The noise in question is a very light almost hollow knocking noise and happens mostly on uneven surfaces, not full bumpy roads where the suspension is fully working, more just on a bobbley surface where it makes the rattle/knocking noise. It also does this sometimes over speedbumps etc so to not rule that scenario out completely but not as often.
Can anyone offer up any advice on what to do next and if you know anyone having a similar issues with their mini, I am ideally looking to go back to the garage with some more advice and perhaps ask them to look at a particular part or even replace it as a process of elimination until the issue is resolved starting with these drop links but wanted to gather some additional advice before committing to the work as he said that was guessing
Car is a Mini First 2009, owned from new so familiar with its history and never had any issues other than this knocking noise.
Thanks
Edited by Eth2312 on Wednesday 16th April 18:07
Thats odd, I just replied to this under another title...anyway
If it was me I would throw the car up on some jacks and change the drop links. They are normally the first component to show some wear and can give the symptoms you are describing, ie a light knock over a cobbly surface without appearing worn when checked statically. They are neither expensive nor difficult to fit so I would change them for stamps if its bothering you that much just to rule them out.
Failing that and assuming this doesn't cure the noise you may have to wait until it gets a little bit noisier so that it can be better identified to prevent you adopting a scatter gun approach and changing more expensive items just for the sake of it.
My money would be on the drop links.
Hope this helps.
If it was me I would throw the car up on some jacks and change the drop links. They are normally the first component to show some wear and can give the symptoms you are describing, ie a light knock over a cobbly surface without appearing worn when checked statically. They are neither expensive nor difficult to fit so I would change them for stamps if its bothering you that much just to rule them out.
Failing that and assuming this doesn't cure the noise you may have to wait until it gets a little bit noisier so that it can be better identified to prevent you adopting a scatter gun approach and changing more expensive items just for the sake of it.
My money would be on the drop links.
Hope this helps.
Go to town and replace a few simple parts - ARB components would be my first stop for noises on uneven surfaces. Bushes and droplinks should be cheap enough.
Have a look here (http://www.bmminiparts.com/DiagramView.aspx?DiagramId=154309&MOSP=53627) for OEM parts pretty cheap, any garage should fit them in less than an hour.
Have a look here (http://www.bmminiparts.com/DiagramView.aspx?DiagramId=154309&MOSP=53627) for OEM parts pretty cheap, any garage should fit them in less than an hour.
mark.c said:
Thats odd, I just replied to this under another title...anyway
If it was me I would throw the car up on some jacks and change the drop links. They are normally the first component to show some wear and can give the symptoms you are describing, ie a light knock over a cobbly surface without appearing worn when checked statically. They are neither expensive nor difficult to fit so I would change them for stamps if its bothering you that much just to rule them out.
Failing that and assuming this doesn't cure the noise you may have to wait until it gets a little bit noisier so that it can be better identified to prevent you adopting a scatter gun approach and changing more expensive items just for the sake of it.
My money would be on the drop links.
Hope this helps.
Thanks and yes, I edited but somehow deleted it by mistake so re submitted. If it was me I would throw the car up on some jacks and change the drop links. They are normally the first component to show some wear and can give the symptoms you are describing, ie a light knock over a cobbly surface without appearing worn when checked statically. They are neither expensive nor difficult to fit so I would change them for stamps if its bothering you that much just to rule them out.
Failing that and assuming this doesn't cure the noise you may have to wait until it gets a little bit noisier so that it can be better identified to prevent you adopting a scatter gun approach and changing more expensive items just for the sake of it.
My money would be on the drop links.
Hope this helps.
Ok, will see to get these done first and see, I'm sure I've had a car before with this issue and was those but I said this to the garage and they all said they look good and not broken/worn.
mark.c said:
Thats odd, I just replied to this under another title...anyway
If it was me I would throw the car up on some jacks and change the drop links. They are normally the first component to show some wear and can give the symptoms you are describing, ie a light knock over a cobbly surface without appearing worn when checked statically. They are neither expensive nor difficult to fit so I would change them for stamps if its bothering you that much just to rule them out.
Failing that and assuming this doesn't cure the noise you may have to wait until it gets a little bit noisier so that it can be better identified to prevent you adopting a scatter gun approach and changing more expensive items just for the sake of it.
My money would be on the drop links.
Hope this helps.
Agree with Mark... i would also check the track rod ends and top mounts (strut)....If it was me I would throw the car up on some jacks and change the drop links. They are normally the first component to show some wear and can give the symptoms you are describing, ie a light knock over a cobbly surface without appearing worn when checked statically. They are neither expensive nor difficult to fit so I would change them for stamps if its bothering you that much just to rule them out.
Failing that and assuming this doesn't cure the noise you may have to wait until it gets a little bit noisier so that it can be better identified to prevent you adopting a scatter gun approach and changing more expensive items just for the sake of it.
My money would be on the drop links.
Hope this helps.
aks7297 said:
mark.c said:
Thats odd, I just replied to this under another title...anyway
If it was me I would throw the car up on some jacks and change the drop links. They are normally the first component to show some wear and can give the symptoms you are describing, ie a light knock over a cobbly surface without appearing worn when checked statically. They are neither expensive nor difficult to fit so I would change them for stamps if its bothering you that much just to rule them out.
Failing that and assuming this doesn't cure the noise you may have to wait until it gets a little bit noisier so that it can be better identified to prevent you adopting a scatter gun approach and changing more expensive items just for the sake of it.
My money would be on the drop links.
Hope this helps.
Agree with Mark... i would also check the track rod ends and top mounts (strut)....If it was me I would throw the car up on some jacks and change the drop links. They are normally the first component to show some wear and can give the symptoms you are describing, ie a light knock over a cobbly surface without appearing worn when checked statically. They are neither expensive nor difficult to fit so I would change them for stamps if its bothering you that much just to rule them out.
Failing that and assuming this doesn't cure the noise you may have to wait until it gets a little bit noisier so that it can be better identified to prevent you adopting a scatter gun approach and changing more expensive items just for the sake of it.
My money would be on the drop links.
Hope this helps.
I think its the exhaust banging against the underbelly of the car. I had a similar problem on a 1 series before and again BMW couldn't find anything wrong. It was hard to tell where the noise was coming from as it was right under the car. We cut off the centre lug that connects the exhaust to the underbody, manufactured and welded back a slightly longer lug. No more knocking. You'll probably need someone who can weld stainless steel to do that.
Eth2312 said:
aks7297 said:
mark.c said:
Thats odd, I just replied to this under another title...anyway
If it was me I would throw the car up on some jacks and change the drop links. They are normally the first component to show some wear and can give the symptoms you are describing, ie a light knock over a cobbly surface without appearing worn when checked statically. They are neither expensive nor difficult to fit so I would change them for stamps if its bothering you that much just to rule them out.
Failing that and assuming this doesn't cure the noise you may have to wait until it gets a little bit noisier so that it can be better identified to prevent you adopting a scatter gun approach and changing more expensive items just for the sake of it.
My money would be on the drop links.
Hope this helps.
Agree with Mark... i would also check the track rod ends and top mounts (strut)....If it was me I would throw the car up on some jacks and change the drop links. They are normally the first component to show some wear and can give the symptoms you are describing, ie a light knock over a cobbly surface without appearing worn when checked statically. They are neither expensive nor difficult to fit so I would change them for stamps if its bothering you that much just to rule them out.
Failing that and assuming this doesn't cure the noise you may have to wait until it gets a little bit noisier so that it can be better identified to prevent you adopting a scatter gun approach and changing more expensive items just for the sake of it.
My money would be on the drop links.
Hope this helps.
drop links is not a problem but you need to you will need to Drop links and track rod ends are easy to replace
Eth2312 said:
Can I add I am a complete novice when it comes to home mechanics so I probably wouldn't tackle this myself, I am going to go with Drop Links as number one, these track rods, are these easy to replace too and worth getting the garage to replace at the same time or try one first then if that doesn't work do those next, just thinking if I can avoid two sets of bills on labour
Would it be something you fancy learning to do? If so its a nice little job to learn on if you wanted to have a go yourself, you can't really go wrong and it doesn't require any special tools.Failing that, I have always found that any noise from a track rod end has been identifiable statically so assuming the garage have given these a good look I wouldnt be changing them just for stamps. They arent a particularly hard job and could of course be done at the same time but already we are approaching the scatter gun approach
The car would need to be tracked after the track rod ends were changed.Strut tops can, as mentioned, give a similar noise to the drop links but of course to examine these prperly (if a static check reveals nothing) you really need to get the strut out and have a look, if you have done that it's tempting to just change them since you are already there....and so it goes on...
Hence why I would just change the drop links and see where you are
mark.c said:
Would it be something you fancy learning to do? If so its a nice little job to learn on if you wanted to have a go yourself, you can't really go wrong and it doesn't require any special tools.
Failing that, I have always found that any noise from a track rod end has been identifiable statically so assuming the garage have given these a good look I wouldnt be changing them just for stamps. They arent a particularly hard job and could of course be done at the same time but already we are approaching the scatter gun approach The car would need to be tracked after the track rod ends were changed.
Strut tops can, as mentioned, give a similar noise to the drop links but of course to examine these prperly (if a static check reveals nothing) you really need to get the strut out and have a look, if you have done that it's tempting to just change them since you are already there....and so it goes on...
Hence why I would just change the drop links and see where you are
I didn't realise there were so many components to the suspension...but your right its going scatter gun approach again. OK will start with the drop links then and progress from there, cheers for your advice. Failing that, I have always found that any noise from a track rod end has been identifiable statically so assuming the garage have given these a good look I wouldnt be changing them just for stamps. They arent a particularly hard job and could of course be done at the same time but already we are approaching the scatter gun approach
The car would need to be tracked after the track rod ends were changed.Strut tops can, as mentioned, give a similar noise to the drop links but of course to examine these prperly (if a static check reveals nothing) you really need to get the strut out and have a look, if you have done that it's tempting to just change them since you are already there....and so it goes on...
Hence why I would just change the drop links and see where you are
If you do get the links changed, get the buses done at the same time. I have found a couple of strange noises cured by that in the past.
Otherwise get someone to double-check the retaining nut on top of the shock - the one which holds it into the strut. A couple of times this has cured an odd bang in suspension.
To all those saying DIY: Are you really suggesting drop links are a 1-spanner operation? All those seized nuts, rusted threads, rounded bolts and rounded hex inners (to stop the joint spinning while you try to undo it), I'd say they're usually a bugger!
Otherwise get someone to double-check the retaining nut on top of the shock - the one which holds it into the strut. A couple of times this has cured an odd bang in suspension.
To all those saying DIY: Are you really suggesting drop links are a 1-spanner operation? All those seized nuts, rusted threads, rounded bolts and rounded hex inners (to stop the joint spinning while you try to undo it), I'd say they're usually a bugger!
Done drop links a few times on various cars. Never really had a problem. If the bolt is seized, a hacksaw will easily have it off. Spray threads liberally with a decent penetrating fluid first and ensure you have a decent fitting hex key / spanner preventing it moving and they're pretty easy. Hardest bit is probably jacking the car up and getting the wheels off!
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