33 90 ... Troubleshooting Shock Absorber

2013 Mini Cooper Countryman, Standard TransSECTION 33 90 ... Troubleshooting Shock Absorber
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 BMW X5, 2009 BMW X5, 2008 BMW X5, and 2007 BMW X5. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Read and comply with Information on replacing shock absorbers  . See 33 00 ... INFORMATION ON REPLACING SHOCK ABSORBERS .

TROUBLESHOOTING CHART FOR SHOCK ABSORBERS

Fault Cause Remedy
Wheel knocking (bottoming) Auxiliary damper faulty Visually inspect auxiliary dampers for cracking, replace auxiliary dampers  . See 33 52 000 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING REAR LEFT OR RIGHT SHOCK ABSORBER .
Shock absorber leaking (oil/gas) Replace shock absorber  . See 33 52 000 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING REAR LEFT OR RIGHT SHOCK ABSORBER .
Rattling noise Shock absorber mounting loose Tighten shock absorber.
Support bearing loose Secure support bearing  . See 33 52 161 REPLACING REAR LEFT OR RIGHT THRUST BEARING FOR SPRING STRUT/SHOCK ABSORBER .
Support bearing defective (cracked) Visually inspect for cracking, replace support bearing  . See 33 52 161 REPLACING REAR LEFT OR RIGHT THRUST BEARING FOR SPRING STRUT/SHOCK ABSORBER .
Protective tube defective/failed Visually inspect protective tube for cracking, replace protective tube  . See 33 52 000 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING REAR LEFT OR RIGHT SHOCK ABSORBER .
Shock absorber leaking (gas/oil) Replace shock absorber  . See 33 52 000 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING REAR LEFT OR RIGHT SHOCK ABSORBER .
Worn down areas (flattened areas) on tire profile Shock absorber leaking (gas/oil) Replace shock absorber  . See 33 52 000 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING REAR LEFT OR RIGHT SHOCK ABSORBER .
Long after-swinging of body after driving over rough road Shock absorber leaking (insufficient shock absorber effect) Replace shock absorber  . See 33 52 000 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING REAR LEFT OR RIGHT SHOCK ABSORBER .
Building-up of body in case of successive uneven surfaces Shock absorber leaking (insufficient shock absorber effect) Replace shock absorber  . See 33 52 000 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING REAR LEFT OR RIGHT SHOCK ABSORBER .
Wheels jumping even on normal road surfaces Shock absorber leaking (insufficient shock absorber effect) Replace shock absorber  . See 33 52 000 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING REAR LEFT OR RIGHT SHOCK ABSORBER .
RENDER: 1.0x

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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.
  • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
  • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
  • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.