Ok, so I finally got to take the R50 out and about now that it is registered and insured. Runs great, drives nice, shifts well, need to get previous owner stink out of it, but very happy with my purchase despite the cosmetics (minor roof hail damage, ding in driver door, crack in hatch door paint, wheels are very corroded). But, I noticed something new today, a lovely chirp from about zero - 30mph. Sounds like its the right rear. I found the LDP chirp, but it's not the same as it doesn't happen when sitting, only while moving. Now, I know it could be a variety of things, but where do you suggest I start? I tried to record it today, but had no luck as it wasn't bad on the way home. Thoughts?
You around this weekend? If I can get it to do it again, i'll swing by. Didn't make a sound on the way in to work this morning.
Another thing to try Jason is when it makes that noise, pull the handbrake up a bit & see if the noise stops or changes. That will help you isolate where it is coming from. If the car had been sitting a bit before you got it, could just be some rust worling its way off the brakes.
Thanks, hopeful thats what it is since I didn't hear it on the way home last night or the way in this morning. Wondering if it starts up as the vehicle gets warm? My drive is only 10 minutes max.
Yea.....you really should find a longer way to work. My normal commute is about the same but I have a route that is about twice as long that I now take.
Ok, after some digging I think it's the passenger rear hub/bearing. Anyone ever change one? Seems simple enough.
Here's a clip of the sound. https://www.dropbox.com/s/ghpvn56aw50570t/20130329%20174036.m4a It stops after 20-30mph. Doesn't show up until a good 20 minutes of driving. Seems to stop as I turn. Definitely coming from the passenger rear.
Jason as far as that noise goes I do not think it is a wheel bearing. That is usually a rumble low noise not a squeak. Since this MINI is for your son I'd recommend a brake job or at least a calipers off inspection of what you've got for brakes.