Trouble Shooting

2013 Mini Cooper Countryman, Standard TransSECTION Trouble Shooting
WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 6 other vehicles, including the 2008 BMW Z4, 2007 BMW Z4, 2006 BMW Z4, 2005 BMW Z4, and 2004 BMW Z4. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

To trouble shoot most symptoms, see TROUBLE SHOOTING  .

Whether a spring strut has to be replaced can only be ascertained by checking while it is installed with a shock tester or while it is removed with a shock absorber test machine.

TROUBLE SHOOTING

Fault Cause Remedy
Body Swinging Long After Driving Over Rough Road Shock Absorber Effect Insufficient Replace Shock Absorbers
Excessive Tire Wear Wheel Alignment Not OK Measure Wheel Alignment, Adjust & Replace Faulty Parts
Grinding Noise (Louder When Cornering) Wheel Bearings Faulty Replace Wheel Bearings
Flattened Areas On Tire Profile Shock Absorber Faulty Replace Shock Absorbers
Poor Handling Shock Absorber Effect Weak Replace Shock Absorbers
Rattling Noise Ball Joints Of Control Arms Worn Replace Control Arm Or Ball Joint
Rattling Noise Stabilizer Rubber Mounts Worn Replace Rubber Mount
Rattling Noise Ball Joints Of Push Rod Worn Replace Push Rod
Rattling Noise Steering Knuckle To Spring-Strut Bolts Loose Tighten Bolts (Check Threads)
Rising Of Body When Accelerating Shock Absorber Effect Insufficient Replace Shock Absorbers
Shock Absorbers Bottoming Rubber Damper Faulty Check/Replace Rubber Damper
Shock Absorbers Bottoming Shock Absorber Effect Insufficient Replace Shock Absorbers
Shock Absorber Noise Shock Absorber Faulty Replace Shock Absorbers
Skidding In Bends Due To Poor Track Holding Shock Absorber Effect Insufficient Replace Shock Absorbers
Steering Wheel Shake Wheels Out Of Balance Balance Wheels
Steering Wheel Shake Rims Have Lateral/Radial Runout Replace Rims If Necessary
Steering Wheel Shake Shock Absorber Effect Insufficient Replace Shock Absorbers
Steering Wheel Shake Control-Arm Rubber Mounts Faulty Replace Control-Arm Rubber Mounts
Vehicle Skidding When Braking Shock Absorber Effect Insufficient Replace Shock Absorbers
Vibration Wheels Out Of Balance Balance Wheels
Vibration Rims Have Lateral/Radial Runout Replace Rims If Necessary
Vibration Tires Have Radial Runout Match Or Replace Tires
Whipping Of Body When Driving Over Successive Rough Road Surfaces Shock Absorber Effect Insufficient Replace Shock Absorbers
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.