Classic Mini Knocks and Bangs

Does your mini knock or bang or even clonk when you accelerate or deaccelerate?Well this could mean a variety of things are wrong.....Heres a very quick guide of what to check and replace. This could save you a small fortune as you can replace most items at home with a basic tool and spanner kit.Top engine steady.The top engine steady is located at the left hand side of the engine bay. (when looking from the front towards the car). It is a thick metal bar which is bolted just below the master brake cylinder on the bulkhead. The bar extends across to the engine and is bolted into the engine side. (Just above the clutch area).TestingPlace a hand or both hands, on the top center of the engine and gently rock the engine. If the engine moves more a lot, this may mean the top engine steady bushes are worn.ReplacementThe bushes are cheap, at around 0.80 - 4.00 depending on type. Standard ones come in rubber, but you can also purchase longer last poly bushes from all the popular mini suppliers.To replace, you will need a spanner / socket to fit the bolt head size. Remove the bolt from the end which bolts into the engine. Then remove the bolt from the bulkhead side. Remove the old bushes. Fit new bushes in either side and the metal sleeve down the middle. Re-bolt the bulkhead side back together. Now replace the engine end bushes as above. Now you can bolt the steady back to the engine. Hopefully now any extreme movement as been reduced and the banging should go away.I would recommend replacing with the poly type bushes as the cause of this problem is usually the rubber has become worn or cracked. The banging you will most likely hear is the carb or air filter touching the bulkhead. Replace the bushes before any damage is done to your carb.Bottom engine steady.The same theory applies to the bottom engine steady as in the top engine steady. It is usually located at the front right hand side of the gearbox. You will probably need to lay under the car to see if you have one fitted. Same applies as before, replace bushes if worn or cracked. Poly ones recommended.Not all variety's of mini had this fitted.Ultimate Engine steadies.

An ultimate engine steady is an after market device which is used as an additional steady device. They are around 27 and come in 2 different forms. One type for the 998cc/1100cc engines. And another type for the 1275/1300cc engines. You cannot use them on different engines so ensure you buy the correct one.

They fit to the right hand side of the engine bay. The base mounts onto the bulkhead and the engine end mounts to the thermostat housing. The base mounting uses the bolts which are located in the bulkhead already. The mini shells allowed the car to be built in Right hand drive and Left hand drive, therefore there is holes made on the opposite side for a brake master cylinder etc. The base mounts to the area where a LHD master cylinder would be located. The device uses a threaded bar and rubber bushes. Once fitted to the bolts, tighten up the bar so there is little play in engine movement. This should protect your carb/air filter and engine in case of a steady failing while driving.

Sub frame Mounts.

If you believe the noise is coming from the floor pans and lower end of the engine then it could be possible that your subframe mounts require changing. The subframe to floor pan mounts located at the back of the subframe are made from rubber and can split. This means as you turn/drive/brake the subframe will be allowed to move. Replace these as soon as possible as this could cause you to crash or have an accident. Once again I recommend changing to Poly bushes or if you dont mind road noise, fit the metal (solid) type.

Testing

Raise the car using the subframe (flat area). Notice if the subframe comes away from the floor pan area where it mounts. You may see that the mount is still attached to the subframe or vice versa to the car. If the mount is split or damaged replace it asap. If not, you may want to upgrade anyway as this will improve the feel and comfort of the car.

Replacement

Jack the car up and support the subframe with axle stands. Lift the front carpets in the car for access to the bolts. Remove the bolts from the floor pan and remove any mounting left on the car. Now remove the rest of the mounting from the subframe end. Now that the old mounting is removed you can begin to fit the new mounting. Fit the mounting to the subframe. Once this is complete, you may need to remove the axle stand and support the subframe with the jack. Lower the Jack until the subframe mount meets with the floor. Support the car safely while you refit the bolts through the floor pan and into the new mount. You may need an assistant to hold a spanner while you fasten the nut up. Lower the car and give it a test. I would replace both mountings at the same time for safety reasons.

You can also replace the tower mount bushes and the front teardrop mounts. For more information and assistance try 'theminiforum .co .uk'

Jacking

When jacking your vehicle always refer to the manuels jacking points. In this case because its a Mini, NEVER jack the car using the sill or floors.

Always support your vehicle using axle stands when working underneath and apply the handbrake! Also chock the rear wheels with house bricks for added help.

Use a good level surface, not gravel/sand. And just use common sense.