31 90 ... Troubleshooting Shock Absorber

2013 Mini Cooper Countryman, Standard TransSECTION 31 90 ... Troubleshooting Shock Absorber
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Read and comply with Information on replacing shock absorbers  . See 31 00 ... INFORMATION ON REPLACING SHOCK ABSORBERS .

TROUBLESHOOTING CHART

Fault Cause Remedy
Shock absorber knocking (bottoming) Rubber damper faulty Visually inspect auxiliary spring for cracking, replace auxiliary spring  . See 31 31 031 REPLACING FRONT LEFT OR RIGHT SPRING STRUT (SPORT SUSPENSION) , 31 31 031 REPLACING FRONT LEFT OR RIGHT SPRING STRUT (STANDARD SUSPENSION)  or 31 31 031 REPLACING FRONT LEFT OR RIGHT SPRING STRUT (STANDARD SUSPENSION, BUILD DATE FROM 03/2005) .
Shock absorber leaking (oil/gas) Replace shock absorber  . See 31 31 031 REPLACING FRONT LEFT OR RIGHT SPRING STRUT (SPORT SUSPENSION) , 31 31 031 REPLACING FRONT LEFT OR RIGHT SPRING STRUT (STANDARD SUSPENSION)  or 31 31 031 REPLACING FRONT LEFT OR RIGHT SPRING STRUT (STANDARD SUSPENSION, BUILD DATE FROM 03/2005) .
Rattling noise Shock absorber mounting loose Tighten shock absorber  . See 31 31 031 REPLACING FRONT LEFT OR RIGHT SPRING STRUT (SPORT SUSPENSION) , 31 31 031 REPLACING FRONT LEFT OR RIGHT SPRING STRUT (STANDARD SUSPENSION)  or 31 31 031 REPLACING FRONT LEFT OR RIGHT SPRING STRUT (STANDARD SUSPENSION, BUILD DATE FROM 03/2005) .
Support bearing faulty/hardened Replace support bearing  . See 31 33 001 REPLACING FRONT LEFT OR RIGHT SPRING STRUT SUPPORT BEARING (SPORT SUSPENSION) .
Shock absorber leaking (oil/gas) Replace shock absorber  . See 31 31 031 REPLACING FRONT LEFT OR RIGHT SPRING STRUT (SPORT SUSPENSION) , 31 31 031 REPLACING FRONT LEFT OR RIGHT SPRING STRUT (STANDARD SUSPENSION)  or 31 31 031 REPLACING FRONT LEFT OR RIGHT SPRING STRUT (STANDARD SUSPENSION, BUILD DATE FROM 03/2005) .
Worn down areas (flattened areas) on tire profile Shock absorber leaking (oil/gas) Replace shock absorber  . See 31 31 031 REPLACING FRONT LEFT OR RIGHT SPRING STRUT (SPORT SUSPENSION) , 31 31 031 REPLACING FRONT LEFT OR RIGHT SPRING STRUT (STANDARD SUSPENSION)  or 31 31 031 REPLACING FRONT LEFT OR RIGHT SPRING STRUT (STANDARD SUSPENSION, BUILD DATE FROM 03/2005) .
Long after-swinging of body after driving over rough road Shock absorber leaking (insufficient shock absorber effect) Replace shock absorber  . See 31 31 031 REPLACING FRONT LEFT OR RIGHT SPRING STRUT (SPORT SUSPENSION) , 31 31 031 REPLACING FRONT LEFT OR RIGHT SPRING STRUT (STANDARD SUSPENSION)  or 31 31 031 REPLACING FRONT LEFT OR RIGHT SPRING STRUT (STANDARD SUSPENSION, BUILD DATE FROM 03/2005) .
Building-up of body in case of successive uneven surfaces Shock absorber leaking (insufficient shock absorber effect) Replace shock absorber  . See 31 31 031 REPLACING FRONT LEFT OR RIGHT SPRING STRUT (SPORT SUSPENSION) , 31 31 031 REPLACING FRONT LEFT OR RIGHT SPRING STRUT (STANDARD SUSPENSION)  or 31 31 031 REPLACING FRONT LEFT OR RIGHT SPRING STRUT (STANDARD SUSPENSION, BUILD DATE FROM 03/2005) .
Wheels jumping even on normal road surfaces Shock absorber leaking (insufficient shock absorber effect) Replace shock absorber  . See 31 31 031 REPLACING FRONT LEFT OR RIGHT SPRING STRUT (SPORT SUSPENSION) , 31 31 031 REPLACING FRONT LEFT OR RIGHT SPRING STRUT (STANDARD SUSPENSION)  or 31 31 031 REPLACING FRONT LEFT OR RIGHT SPRING STRUT (STANDARD SUSPENSION, BUILD DATE FROM 03/2005) .
Whistling noises Separating skin in vent holes of auxiliary spring Remove separating skin
RENDER: 1.0x

NO RELATED

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When to See a Mechanic

Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

  • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
  • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
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  • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
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