1st Gen R53 Cooper S Can anyone Diagnose my Mini Cooper S problem?

Discussion in '1st Generation: 2002–06 R50, R53 & 2004–08 R52' started by BritAbroad, Nov 7, 2013.

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  1. BritAbroad

    BritAbroad New Member

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    #1 BritAbroad, Nov 7, 2013
    Hey Experts,

    I've just brought a second hand Mini Cooper S 2007 turbo and am really enjoying the drive. It has 51k miles but appears in good shape. However, I'm noticing a odd whirring sound when I drive above 40 coming from the front of the car. It gets louder between 40 and 55 and then just stays the same. If I put my foot on the clutch it makes no difference to the sound. The only that can make it a little louder is if I put the brakes on.

    I've posted a video but as I've a crap phone you can't hear it as loudly as it sounds in the car. Does anyone have any ideas what it could be? I've taken it to my local garage and they can't see anything wrong with the transmission or bearings. I know nothing about cars but it sounds like a circular, repeating sound. See if you can hear it.

    Here is a link to a video I took trying to capture the sound.

    [ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5N7v8PkCT4w]Mini Cooper S 2007 - Whirring Sound??? Any ideas? - YouTube[/ame]

    Thanks
     
  2. Nathan

    Nathan Founder

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    #2 Nathan, Nov 7, 2013
    Welcome, thanks for joining Motoring Alliance, the FUN and Friendly MINI Community.

    Have you given the brakes a good looking over?

    I've seen things like a rock get stuck and make a noise.
     
  3. Apok

    Apok New Member

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    #3 Apok, Nov 7, 2013
    Is it a good consistent whine once you get around a specific RPM?

    I had a very similar thing happen to me recently, and luckily I'm still under warranty for now. Turns out there was a gasket that failed on the the passenger side of the engine and was leaking down onto some pulleys and a belt. Dealership replaced the gasket, pulleys and belt and no more noise. Though I imagine that you could replace the gasket and belt and clean the pulleys for the same result.
     
  4. BritAbroad

    BritAbroad New Member

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    #4 BritAbroad, Nov 7, 2013
    Just replaced the front brakes (as I thought that might be it), back breaks are fine. So am I right in thinking this sound isn't normal?

    It starts vibrating, whirring between 45mph upwards. Only really making a difference in sound when braking - humming/whirring sound slightly deeper.

    Apok did you car make a similar sound to my video?
     
  5. Crashton

    Crashton Club Coordinator

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    #5 Crashton, Nov 7, 2013
    That sure isn't normal. Are you feeling the vibration through the steering wheel? Through the brake peddle when you stop? I think you should be revisiting the brake job.
     
  6. Thumper460

    Thumper460 Active Member

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    #6 Thumper460, Nov 7, 2013
    I agree on checking that brake job..

    Thumper
     
  7. Apok

    Apok New Member

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    #7 Apok, Nov 7, 2013
    I cant see the video here at work. But Ill check it out when I get off.
     
  8. Dave.0

    Dave.0 Helix & RMW Powered
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    #8 Dave.0, Nov 7, 2013
    Brake Job double check, maybe a wheel bearing starting to go bad. :idea:

    I don't think it would be a tire out of balance but anything is possible.

    I just played your video again, and just for giggles try rotating your tires. Maybe you have slipped a belt or have Kumho tires.

    When I had Kumho tires they would get flat spots from sitting only after a few hours and make weird sounds when driving and different speeds.
     
  9. Nathan

    Nathan Founder

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    #9 Nathan, Nov 7, 2013
    How bout a brake backing plate bent and rubbing but not seen when the wheel is off cause then it is not rubbing on anything.
     
  10. eMINIparts

    eMINIparts Well-Known Member
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    #10 eMINIparts, Nov 7, 2013
    Maybe I am missing the noise , but it sounds like a bad tire or wheel bearing...Is there a vibration at all?
     
  11. DneprDave

    DneprDave Well-Known Member
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    #11 DneprDave, Nov 8, 2013
    Could be a wheel bearing.

    Dave
     
  12. BlimeyCabrio

    BlimeyCabrio Oscar Goldman of MINIs
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    #12 BlimeyCabrio, Nov 8, 2013
    I'm thinking wheel bearing.

    I'd have a friend drive along beside me on a non-busy stretch of multi-lane with their window down, and see if they can isolate which side it's coming from.
     
  13. Dave.0

    Dave.0 Helix & RMW Powered
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    #13 Dave.0, Nov 8, 2013
    I think it could be a wheel bearing also but I would definitely check or rotate your tires first.

    What brand of tires do you have ?
     
  14. BlimeyCabrio

    BlimeyCabrio Oscar Goldman of MINIs
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    #14 BlimeyCabrio, Nov 8, 2013
    Diagnosis:
    1) have a friend drive along beside (SAFELY) at the symptomatic speed, see if you can isolate side - and ensure it really is only coming from the front, and if it really is only coming from one side.
    2) Cross-rotate tires LF-RR, RF-LR, repeat test. What happens? If symptom moves... tires. If symptom stays put... probably wheel bearing (or maybe CV or brake).
     
  15. Firebro17

    Firebro17 Dazed, but not Confused
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    #15 Firebro17, Nov 9, 2013
    Maybe it's the 06 R53 try'n to scratch its way outa the motor..... :lol:
    (That was for you Dave)
     

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