6 replies to this topic

[Ricester]

Evening all,

I’ve been running my mini in after a full rebuild. Everything’s been going well if late, however last time I was out I was getting a clunky noise coming from the drivers side wheel arch area while driving. It appeared intermittent, not specifically under breaking, under load or turning, would just sometimes make a funny clunky noise once or twice, then stop for a bit then do it again.

Checked engine mounts, subframe mounts, exhaust mounts or any chance of contact with other areas, engine doesn’t rock at all. Checked all nuts were tight with shocks, steering rack u bolts, suspension and steering nuts etc, everything tight nothing loose.

So back out in the car today and couldn’t notice any clunky clatter noise, BUT, car sounded noisier on the road. Like more rumbly. Then after driving for around half an hour, a really weird squelchy squeal noise coming from drivers side, which was in time with the wheel (speed up, noise was quicker). I stopped at the side of the road and again couldn’t find anything. Wheel is tight, no play in it at all. I drove again and after a minute of around 10-15mph a really concerning clunk which sounded like something was loose. The squeal/squelch noise then came back. The steering felt weird, I was getting a lot of feel from the road through both the steering wheel and the pedals. I made the short journey home. Ive a young family and haven’t had time to get out to the garage and strip it down, but does it sound like drivers side wheel bearing? It honestly felt like the gearbox!! I hope not.

Anything for me to pay attention to first when stripping it back down?? Bearings have only done 150 miles.

[andyapanel]

Wheel bearings make a click. Turn in circles, slowly, and listen for clicks.

if they are really bad, they may effect the braking.

I would check for something caught between the disc and dust plate first.

If its wheelarch, I would check the rear subframe mounting-just finished that job today!

Good luck.

[Ricester]

Well it was the front drivers wheel bearing. Failed and a few ball-bearings lighter. When stripping down I noted the top ball joint to have too much play. I could easily move it with my hand. Could this have been the cause? 

 

Could have been a number of things - not least Id used cheap bearings (ball bearing type). 

 

Im replacing both sides with genuine bearings now. Ive had a look at the CV joint drivers side. Running my nail over the shaft I can feel a score, about half way long the shaft. I wouldnt say its prominent or faint - its just "feelable". Should I be replacing the CV joint too? 

 

Thanks. 

[mbolt998]

Well it was the front drivers wheel bearing. Failed and a few ball-bearings lighter. When stripping down I noted the top ball joint to have too much play. I could easily move it with my hand. Could this have been the cause? 

 

Could have been a number of things - not least Id used cheap bearings (ball bearing type). 

 

Im replacing both sides with genuine bearings now. Ive had a look at the CV joint drivers side. Running my nail over the shaft I can feel a score, about half way long the shaft. I wouldnt say its prominent or faint - its just "feelable". Should I be replacing the CV joint too? 

 

Thanks. 

The squelchy noises you mention make me wonder if it was overpacked with grease. That can cause the seal to pop out and get tangled up in things making horrible noises. I don't think a knackered BJ would affect the wheel bearing but I could be wrong.

[SKIDDERWOLF]

https://youtu.be/uSVo5nFECbA

This is what mine sounded like when it failed. Ignore the incorrect diagnosis at the start don't know what I was thinking. Jump to 2:30 onwards for the horiffic sounds

Edited by SKIDDERWOLF, 10 August 2023 - 04:33 PM.

[Ricester]

https://youtu.be/uSVo5nFECbA

This is what mine sounded like when it failed. Ignore the incorrect diagnosis at the start don't know what I was thinking. Jump to 2:30 onwards for the horiffic sounds

Thats precisely the noise! What a horrid noise it is. Like a squelchy wet sound. Do you know what caused it? From my own situation, I could have overpacked it, I could have fitted it incorrectly, it might be that it was a bad cheap bearing, who knows. 

[SKIDDERWOLF]

I don't know what I did wrong when I fitted my bearings, I changed both fronts at the same time ball bearing type drum brakes and only the drivers side failed.may have been over packed and overheated as is was smoking when it first failed. I have now fitted discs with time bearings so hopefully won't have a repeat!