1st Gen R53 Cooper S Most liked posts in thread: Can anyone Diagnose my Mini Cooper S problem?

  1. 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?
     
  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. Crashton

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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.
     
  5. 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.
     
  6. DneprDave

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

    Dave
     
  7. 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)
     
  8. 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?
     
  9. Thumper460

    Thumper460 Active Member

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

    Thumper
     
  10. 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.
     
  11. 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.
     
  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).