MINI2

ScottyG · Sep 17th, 2003, 09:23 PM

When i drive over any bumps/potholes/etc i hear a dull thud noise coming from Min's back end. Is this common or is it something i should be concerned about?

For your info: Min's a week and a half old; pretty sure it's not the boot catch, sounds like an external noise rather than something inside; running SS with 17" S spokes.

Ta in advance

KenL · Sep 17th, 2003, 10:15 PM

Well it's normal with mine anyway

Do you notice it going over bumps (even small ones) but only at low speed, not say above 40mph?

I'm beginning to think it's a combo a few things like the rear door and the back seats.

The rear hatch door is definatley too light and/or flexible and doesn't have enough sound deadening. If you sit in the back with the rear seats down and knock on the inside plastic with the side of your clenched hand you'll hear a booming sound like a drum.

Same thing if you hit the rear seats when they're up - boom boom !

So going over bumps puts a wee impulse through the hatch/ rear seats and that's when you hear it.

That's my theory anyway

You could ask your dealer to have a look to try and adjust the hatch lock and the rear seat catches but I don't think they'll ever fully cure it. They may be able to improve it though so if it bothers you have a word.

That's my theory anyway. Normally it doesn't bother my but every now and again it really drives me mad

Does everyone's MINI do this then?

ScottyG · Sep 17th, 2003, 10:23 PM

Yeah i think it is only at lower speeds! That would make sense actually cos i notice it really badly driving down my street...badly subsided road surface at 15/20mph.

Think i may get the dealership to have a look, although it doesn't bother me too much they may be able to sort it a bit.

Thanks for the info Ken

(Perhaps it is just ours, no-one else seems to be saying owt!

)

Richard Crofts · Sep 18th, 2003, 11:32 AM

No my Cooper with S Spokes and SS+ does it also, dealer stopped some of it by sorting the boot catch when mine went in for the dashboard rattle....still does it a bit though. I agree that its probably just sound resonance of the stiff suspnsion and runflats side wall/low profiles going into the car(probably why really only noticable when general road noise is at a minimum, eg. low speed)

Good luck though.

Tall bloke · Sep 18th, 2003, 11:45 AM

There are also 2 rubber balls under the parcel shelf that knock around a bit.

ScottyG · Sep 18th, 2003, 08:19 PM

You telling me Min's got balls?! I thought she was a girl!

MiniFEB29 · Sep 18th, 2003, 08:49 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Tall bloke

There are also 2 rubber balls under the parcel shelf that knock around a bit.

Tie nots in the string... a bit like a Mini Vasectomy

old_buffer · Sep 19th, 2003, 08:17 AM

I was getting worried because my gleaming Mini One does it at slow speeds too.
Now I know it happens on other peoples, I am not as concerned, but I'll keep an eye on it anyway.

Thanks for the thread.

I suppose if I have to drive even slower over bumps, it means I'll have to spend even more time in my Mini. Oh well...

ScottyG · Sep 19th, 2003, 06:44 PM

Spoke to me dealer today and he too suggested it might be Min's balls knocking around!

Gave me a simple test to find out if it is: take out the parcel shelf and perform usual routine, if you can still hear thudding then it aint the shelf. Simple ey!

I did this and could still hear thudding, so Min's going in next week for a check. That and the whistling noise coming from the windscreen area, oh and the other general rattles and knocks!

Not bad for an 11 day old Mini!

KenL · Sep 19th, 2003, 07:25 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by ScottyG

Spoke to me dealer today and he too suggested it might be Min's balls knocking around!

Gave me a simple test to find out if it is: take out the parcel shelf and perform usual routine, if you can still hear thudding then it aint the shelf. Simple ey!

I did this and could still hear thudding, so Min's going in next week for a check. That and the whistling noise coming from the windscreen area, oh and the other general rattles and knocks!

I'm not convinced those balls do anything, certainly not enough to make the knocks you guys are hearing.

BTW I took a test drive today in a Cooper (standard sports suspension) and I'm sure I heard it knock when I slowed down

My wife doesn't hear these noises and I'm trying to train myself not to hear them also. I tell myself that the car is absolutely brilliant so forget it.

Scotty - try lowering your rear seats as well. If the noise is different then the rear seat catches may need adjusted also.

Good luck but most of all enjoy your car

Goonery · Sep 19th, 2003, 07:35 PM

Whistling is the A post covers, door sealing issue - dealer fix, Low speed thumper is a vehicle trait, due to suspension, tyres/tires/pneus/reifen etc ambient noise, flexing and accoustics of car itself, you will 'tune it out' when you get used to it! If you ever drive a TVR / Impretza/ Evo you get similar things, Mini 1 suspenders are quieter, S Sports more pronounced IMO.

KenL · Sep 19th, 2003, 07:58 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by goonery

Whistling is the A post covers, door sealing issue - dealer fix, Low speed thumper is a vehicle trait, due to suspension, tyres/tires/pneus/reifen etc ambient noise, flexing and accoustics of car itself, you will 'tune it out' when you get used to it! If you ever drive a TVR / Impretza/ Evo you get similar things, Mini 1 suspenders are quieter, S Sports more pronounced IMO.

Goonery - it's great to hear from a man in the know

that this is a wee trait of the vehicle and something I can stop fretting about - phew

What's this about whistling - I've not heard that YET

Cheers,
KenL

Goonery · Sep 19th, 2003, 08:30 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by KenL

Goonery - it's great to hear from a man in the know

that this is a wee trait of the vehicle and something I can stop fretting about - phew

What's this about whistling - I've not heard that YET

Cheers,
KenL

The whistling is caused by pursing the lips and blowing gently, varying the pressure and aperture of the lips to alter the pitch of the sound emitted. It can be almost musical (LIKE BAGPIPES

) if done correctly.
But more seriously , the A post finisher (outer black shiny thing) sometimes doesnt quite sit down right, allowing air at speed to get under and thru to the door frame, and lo there became a fearful wailing.
My Pepper white MC, and the Yellow/Black MC both had a variance. Some goo strategically placed under offending finisher does the trick. I hoped that 'recent' cars would be sorted, words will be had in certain ears.
NO Whistling Allowed, nuff said?

ScottyG · Sep 20th, 2003, 08:50 PM

Cheers for that info Goonery, least when i go to the dealers on Wednesday and they start scratching their heads (not that i have no confidence in 'em you understand!

) i can offer a reason and possible solution. They obviously haven't sorted recent cars, mine's a late August build (week 32 i think?!)

You think the thudding is just a trait then? I can live with it if it is...i lived with a rattley knocky Fiesta for 3 years! I was worried it might have been a suspension thing, thus explaining why Min leans to one side when looking from the back! 2 finger width gap between top of offside tyre and wheel arch but 3 finger gap on nearside. Ooer!

Goonery · Sep 21st, 2003, 07:51 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by ScottyG

Cheers for that info Goonery, least when i go to the dealers on Wednesday and they start scratching their heads (not that i have no confidence in 'em you understand!

) i can offer a reason and possible solution. They obviously haven't sorted recent cars, mine's a late August build (week 32 i think?!)

You think the thudding is just a trait then? I can live with it if it is...i lived with a rattley knocky Fiesta for 3 years! I was worried it might have been a suspension thing, thus explaining why Min leans to one side when looking from the back! 2 finger width gap between top of offside tyre and wheel arch but 3 finger gap on nearside. Ooer!

Should'nt be leaning !, depending on tyre & wheel combo, about 3 fingers , slightly less for 17" is about right for both sides. I winder if you have standard susp on one side and sports + on tother

. I'm appalled if it is, cos QC is pretty tight on these things. I'd get it into Demon Hell's or Robt. Stern ASAP.
I'll look out for you, should be easy to spot from behind

.
Just a thought, nobody in the car when you checked was there

!

StevePSB · Sep 21st, 2003, 11:13 AM

'Damon Hell's' ?!

Goonery · Sep 21st, 2003, 05:50 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by StevePSB

'Damon Hell's' ?!

Tis but a play on words for us who reside near or in Shakespere county. Damon Hill ,being the real name Demon Hell being the (humerous) alternative to some that visit the dealership. That said they are pretty good IMO, as are Sytner and Robert Stern all of whom try to put on a good service,
Unless of couse you know otherwise.

bodinski · Sep 21st, 2003, 07:34 PM

and now, a dumb question:
is your spare tyre secure in it's cradle?
best - bodinski

ScottyG · Sep 21st, 2003, 07:59 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by goonery

Should'nt be leaning !, depending on tyre & wheel combo, about 3 fingers , slightly less for 17" is about right for both sides. I winder if you have standard susp on one side and sports + on tother

. I'm appalled if it is, cos QC is pretty tight on these things. I'd get it into Demon Hell's or Robt. Stern ASAP.
I'll look out for you, should be easy to spot from behind

.
Just a thought, nobody in the car when you checked was there

!

Nah there was nobody in the car at the time! Checked Min's lean with her parked in three different places just to check it was nothing to do with road camber. Is there anyway i can check to see that i have sports suspension on both sides? We's over to Mr Sterns this week.

ScottyG · Sep 21st, 2003, 08:01 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by bodinski

and now, a dumb question:
is your spare tyre secure in it's cradle?
best - bodinski

I've got 17" S-Spokes with runflats so there aint no spare. Good thought tho!

Sep 17th, 2003, 09:23 PM	#1
ScottyG The new improved ScottyG! Join Date: Jun 2003 Local Time: 11:51 AM Posts: 1,281 Offline	Is this normal? When i drive over any bumps/potholes/etc i hear a dull thud noise coming from Min's back end. Is this common or is it something i should be concerned about? For your info: Min's a week and a half old; pretty sure it's not the boot catch, sounds like an external noise rather than something inside; running SS with 17" S spokes. Ta in advance

Sep 17th, 2003, 10:15 PM	#2 (permalink)
KenL MINI2 Master Join Date: May 2002 Location: Edinburgh Local Time: 11:51 AM Posts: 5,147 Offline	Well it's normal with mine anyway Do you notice it going over bumps (even small ones) but only at low speed, not say above 40mph? I'm beginning to think it's a combo a few things like the rear door and the back seats. The rear hatch door is definatley too light and/or flexible and doesn't have enough sound deadening. If you sit in the back with the rear seats down and knock on the inside plastic with the side of your clenched hand you'll hear a booming sound like a drum. Same thing if you hit the rear seats when they're up - boom boom ! So going over bumps puts a wee impulse through the hatch/ rear seats and that's when you hear it. That's my theory anyway You could ask your dealer to have a look to try and adjust the hatch lock and the rear seat catches but I don't think they'll ever fully cure it. They may be able to improve it though so if it bothers you have a word. That's my theory anyway. Normally it doesn't bother my but every now and again it really drives me mad Does everyone's MINI do this then? Red/Black R56 Cooper

Sep 18th, 2003, 08:49 PM	#7 (permalink)
MiniFEB29 Supercalafragalistic Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Moved to Ayrshire Local Time: 11:51 AM Posts: 165 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by Tall bloke There are also 2 rubber balls under the parcel shelf that knock around a bit. Tie nots in the string... a bit like a Mini Vasectomy expealadocious, even though the sound of it is something quite atrocious.

Sep 19th, 2003, 07:25 PM	#10 (permalink)
KenL MINI2 Master Join Date: May 2002 Location: Edinburgh Local Time: 11:51 AM Posts: 5,147 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by ScottyG Spoke to me dealer today and he too suggested it might be Min's balls knocking around! Gave me a simple test to find out if it is: take out the parcel shelf and perform usual routine, if you can still hear thudding then it aint the shelf. Simple ey! I did this and could still hear thudding, so Min's going in next week for a check. That and the whistling noise coming from the windscreen area, oh and the other general rattles and knocks! I'm not convinced those balls do anything, certainly not enough to make the knocks you guys are hearing. BTW I took a test drive today in a Cooper (standard sports suspension) and I'm sure I heard it knock when I slowed down My wife doesn't hear these noises and I'm trying to train myself not to hear them also. I tell myself that the car is absolutely brilliant so forget it. Scotty - try lowering your rear seats as well. If the noise is different then the rear seat catches may need adjusted also. Good luck but most of all enjoy your car Red/Black R56 Cooper

Sep 19th, 2003, 07:58 PM	#12 (permalink)
KenL MINI2 Master Join Date: May 2002 Location: Edinburgh Local Time: 11:51 AM Posts: 5,147 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by goonery Whistling is the A post covers, door sealing issue - dealer fix, Low speed thumper is a vehicle trait, due to suspension, tyres/tires/pneus/reifen etc ambient noise, flexing and accoustics of car itself, you will 'tune it out' when you get used to it! If you ever drive a TVR / Impretza/ Evo you get similar things, Mini 1 suspenders are quieter, S Sports more pronounced IMO. Goonery - it's great to hear from a man in the know that this is a wee trait of the vehicle and something I can stop fretting about - phew What's this about whistling - I've not heard that YET Cheers, KenL Red/Black R56 Cooper

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Sep 17th, 2003, 10:23 PM	#3 (permalink)
ScottyG The new improved ScottyG! Join Date: Jun 2003 Local Time: 11:51 AM Posts: 1,281 Offline	Yeah i think it is only at lower speeds! That would make sense actually cos i notice it really badly driving down my street...badly subsided road surface at 15/20mph. Think i may get the dealership to have a look, although it doesn't bother me too much they may be able to sort it a bit. Thanks for the info Ken (Perhaps it is just ours, no-one else seems to be saying owt! )

Sep 18th, 2003, 11:32 AM	#4 (permalink)
Richard Crofts THE STICK Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Worcestershire WR15 Local Time: 11:51 AM Posts: 3,105 Offline	No my Cooper with S Spokes and SS+ does it also, dealer stopped some of it by sorting the boot catch when mine went in for the dashboard rattle....still does it a bit though. I agree that its probably just sound resonance of the stiff suspnsion and runflats side wall/low profiles going into the car(probably why really only noticable when general road noise is at a minimum, eg. low speed) Good luck though.

Sep 18th, 2003, 11:45 AM	#5 (permalink)
Tall bloke Worksssssssssssssssssssss Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Kent Local Time: 11:51 AM Posts: 190 Offline	There are also 2 rubber balls under the parcel shelf that knock around a bit.

Sep 18th, 2003, 08:19 PM	#6 (permalink)
ScottyG The new improved ScottyG! Join Date: Jun 2003 Local Time: 11:51 AM Posts: 1,281 Offline	You telling me Min's got balls?! I thought she was a girl!

Sep 19th, 2003, 08:17 AM	#8 (permalink)
old_buffer MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Aug 2003 Local Time: 10:51 AM Posts: 8 Offline	I was getting worried because my gleaming Mini One does it at slow speeds too. Now I know it happens on other peoples, I am not as concerned, but I'll keep an eye on it anyway. Thanks for the thread. I suppose if I have to drive even slower over bumps, it means I'll have to spend even more time in my Mini. Oh well...

Sep 19th, 2003, 06:44 PM	#9 (permalink)
ScottyG The new improved ScottyG! Join Date: Jun 2003 Local Time: 11:51 AM Posts: 1,281 Offline	Spoke to me dealer today and he too suggested it might be Min's balls knocking around! Gave me a simple test to find out if it is: take out the parcel shelf and perform usual routine, if you can still hear thudding then it aint the shelf. Simple ey! I did this and could still hear thudding, so Min's going in next week for a check. That and the whistling noise coming from the windscreen area, oh and the other general rattles and knocks! Not bad for an 11 day old Mini!

Sep 19th, 2003, 07:35 PM	#11 (permalink)
Goonery You can put lipstick on.. My Classifieds Join Date: Aug 2003 Local Time: 11:51 AM Posts: 13,683 Offline	Whistling is the A post covers, door sealing issue - dealer fix, Low speed thumper is a vehicle trait, due to suspension, tyres/tires/pneus/reifen etc ambient noise, flexing and accoustics of car itself, you will 'tune it out' when you get used to it! If you ever drive a TVR / Impretza/ Evo you get similar things, Mini 1 suspenders are quieter, S Sports more pronounced IMO.

Sep 19th, 2003, 08:30 PM	#13 (permalink)
Goonery You can put lipstick on.. My Classifieds Join Date: Aug 2003 Local Time: 11:51 AM Posts: 13,683 Offline	Whistling Quote: Originally Posted by KenL Goonery - it's great to hear from a man in the know that this is a wee trait of the vehicle and something I can stop fretting about - phew What's this about whistling - I've not heard that YET Cheers, KenL The whistling is caused by pursing the lips and blowing gently, varying the pressure and aperture of the lips to alter the pitch of the sound emitted. It can be almost musical (LIKE BAGPIPES) if done correctly. But more seriously , the A post finisher (outer black shiny thing) sometimes doesnt quite sit down right, allowing air at speed to get under and thru to the door frame, and lo there became a fearful wailing. My Pepper white MC, and the Yellow/Black MC both had a variance. Some goo strategically placed under offending finisher does the trick. I hoped that 'recent' cars would be sorted, words will be had in certain ears. NO Whistling Allowed, nuff said?

Sep 20th, 2003, 08:50 PM	#14 (permalink)
ScottyG The new improved ScottyG! Join Date: Jun 2003 Local Time: 11:51 AM Posts: 1,281 Offline	Cheers for that info Goonery, least when i go to the dealers on Wednesday and they start scratching their heads (not that i have no confidence in 'em you understand! ) i can offer a reason and possible solution. They obviously haven't sorted recent cars, mine's a late August build (week 32 i think?!) You think the thudding is just a trait then? I can live with it if it is...i lived with a rattley knocky Fiesta for 3 years! I was worried it might have been a suspension thing, thus explaining why Min leans to one side when looking from the back! 2 finger width gap between top of offside tyre and wheel arch but 3 finger gap on nearside. Ooer!

Sep 21st, 2003, 07:51 AM	#15 (permalink)
Goonery You can put lipstick on.. My Classifieds Join Date: Aug 2003 Local Time: 11:51 AM Posts: 13,683 Offline	Ride Hight? Quote: Originally Posted by ScottyG Cheers for that info Goonery, least when i go to the dealers on Wednesday and they start scratching their heads (not that i have no confidence in 'em you understand! ) i can offer a reason and possible solution. They obviously haven't sorted recent cars, mine's a late August build (week 32 i think?!) You think the thudding is just a trait then? I can live with it if it is...i lived with a rattley knocky Fiesta for 3 years! I was worried it might have been a suspension thing, thus explaining why Min leans to one side when looking from the back! 2 finger width gap between top of offside tyre and wheel arch but 3 finger gap on nearside. Ooer! Should'nt be leaning !, depending on tyre & wheel combo, about 3 fingers , slightly less for 17" is about right for both sides. I winder if you have standard susp on one side and sports + on tother. I'm appalled if it is, cos QC is pretty tight on these things. I'd get it into Demon Hell's or Robt. Stern ASAP. I'll look out for you, should be easy to spot from behind. Just a thought, nobody in the car when you checked was there!

Sep 21st, 2003, 11:13 AM	#16 (permalink)
StevePSB MINI2 Master Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Bedworth / Doncaster Local Time: 11:51 AM Posts: 1,521 Offline	'Damon Hell's' ?!

Sep 21st, 2003, 05:50 PM	#17 (permalink)
Goonery You can put lipstick on.. My Classifieds Join Date: Aug 2003 Local Time: 11:51 AM Posts: 13,683 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by StevePSB 'Damon Hell's' ?! Tis but a play on words for us who reside near or in Shakespere county. Damon Hill ,being the real name Demon Hell being the (humerous) alternative to some that visit the dealership. That said they are pretty good IMO, as are Sytner and Robert Stern all of whom try to put on a good service, Unless of couse you know otherwise.

Sep 21st, 2003, 07:34 PM	#18 (permalink)
bodinski [hot rod harlot] Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: tennessee Local Time: 05:51 AM Posts: 144 Offline	and now, a dumb question: is your spare tyre secure in it's cradle? best - bodinski

Sep 21st, 2003, 07:59 PM	#19 (permalink)
ScottyG The new improved ScottyG! Join Date: Jun 2003 Local Time: 11:51 AM Posts: 1,281 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by goonery Should'nt be leaning !, depending on tyre & wheel combo, about 3 fingers , slightly less for 17" is about right for both sides. I winder if you have standard susp on one side and sports + on tother. I'm appalled if it is, cos QC is pretty tight on these things. I'd get it into Demon Hell's or Robt. Stern ASAP. I'll look out for you, should be easy to spot from behind. Just a thought, nobody in the car when you checked was there! Nah there was nobody in the car at the time! Checked Min's lean with her parked in three different places just to check it was nothing to do with road camber. Is there anyway i can check to see that i have sports suspension on both sides? We's over to Mr Sterns this week.

Sep 21st, 2003, 08:01 PM	#20 (permalink)
ScottyG The new improved ScottyG! Join Date: Jun 2003 Local Time: 11:51 AM Posts: 1,281 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by bodinski and now, a dumb question: is your spare tyre secure in it's cradle? best - bodinski I've got 17" S-Spokes with runflats so there aint no spare. Good thought tho!

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