Stock Problems/Issues Discussions related to warranty related issues and repairs, or other problems with the OEM parts and software for MINI Clubman (R55), Cooper and Cooper S(R56), and Cabrio (R57).

Strange cracking noise on left front wheel

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
  #1  
Old 04-08-2014, 11:08 PM
Plafnd's Avatar
Plafnd
Plafnd is offline
2nd Gear
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: New York City
Posts: 52
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Strange cracking noise on left front wheel

Hi everyone,

I have a noise getting bigger and bigger for 1 month now... It is located at the left front wheel and it's a cracking noise. I'm not sure it's the brakes pads because the right wheel doesn't do that and it's not a friction noise either.

As soone as I accelerate I heard a "crack crack crack" from 0 to 4mph. Each time the car is pulled forward in a acceleration. And after that some cracking during city driving... And when I brake I got the same "crack crack crack" again...

I accelerate and again... "Crack crack crack"...

Is anyone here had this problem before ? The car brakes very well and has 94000km (58000miles). Giorgia (her name) has no problem at all and perform very well everyday

Thanks
 
  #2  
Old 04-09-2014, 12:21 AM
elsenordave's Avatar
elsenordave
elsenordave is offline
4th Gear
Join Date: Nov 2013
Posts: 367
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Cv axle maybe?
 
  #3  
Old 04-09-2014, 12:28 AM
Plafnd's Avatar
Plafnd
Plafnd is offline
2nd Gear
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: New York City
Posts: 52
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
It is really not related to the transmission I think...
 
  #4  
Old 04-09-2014, 02:12 AM
vetsvette's Avatar
vetsvette
vetsvette is offline
Moderator
iTrader: (5)
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: South Central Virginia
Posts: 3,896
Received 450 Likes on 343 Posts
Originally Posted by elsenordave
Cv axle maybe?
It does sound like a CV joint. Especially with it making the most noise under the stress of acceleration or braking.
 
  #5  
Old 04-09-2014, 07:05 AM
Plafnd's Avatar
Plafnd
Plafnd is offline
2nd Gear
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: New York City
Posts: 52
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Ok... I had an accident months ago and it is since this that the noise appears. It is exactly at the same side of the car I had the collision. I returned to the dealer twice but they told me it was the brakes... I was sure they were not telling me the truth...

Is the cv join hard to change and how much does it cost ?

Tks
 
  #6  
Old 04-09-2014, 09:55 AM
elsenordave's Avatar
elsenordave
elsenordave is offline
4th Gear
Join Date: Nov 2013
Posts: 367
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Originally Posted by vetsvette
It does sound like a CV joint. Especially with it making the most noise under the stress of acceleration or braking.


Originally Posted by Plafnd
Ok... I had an accident months ago and it is since this that the noise appears. It is exactly at the same side of the car I had the collision. I returned to the dealer twice but they told me it was the brakes... I was sure they were not telling me the truth...

Is the cv join hard to change and how much does it cost ?

Tks
If is related to/started after the collision I would take it yo with your insurance company and the shop, that did the repair. It could very well be collateral damage from the accident. Good luck...if not try rockauto for a cheap cv axle if you want to keep cost down. The axles are pretty straight toward to change...
 
  #7  
Old 04-09-2014, 10:07 AM
Plafnd's Avatar
Plafnd
Plafnd is offline
2nd Gear
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: New York City
Posts: 52
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Thanks for the answers!

How can I be sure by myself that it is the CV axle ? How can I verify ? I'm gone post a video to show you the noise.
 
  #8  
Old 04-09-2014, 11:29 AM
TheMINIPartStore's Avatar
TheMINIPartStore
TheMINIPartStore is offline
Banned
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Cincinnati
Posts: 272
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
The main culprit is a tear in the CV boot. Once that happens dirt and what not get into the joint and makes for a bad time. Here is a diagram.

 
  #9  
Old 04-09-2014, 11:39 AM
Plafnd's Avatar
Plafnd
Plafnd is offline
2nd Gear
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: New York City
Posts: 52
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
The noise is really located at the front right wheel, I can even feel the crack on the floor near the pedals when it happens. Where exactly is located the CV axle, if I want to visually check ?
 
  #10  
Old 04-09-2014, 12:14 PM
Plafnd's Avatar
Plafnd
Plafnd is offline
2nd Gear
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: New York City
Posts: 52
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Here is the link I just shot a video :

It is really weird!
 
  #11  
Old 04-09-2014, 01:30 PM
alexs3d2's Avatar
alexs3d2
alexs3d2 is offline
4th Gear
Join Date: Jan 2011
Posts: 393
Received 6 Likes on 4 Posts
I am not an expert but I don't think that is the CV joint... This sounds more like the body flexing, than anything mechanical. But I could be wrong.
 
  #12  
Old 04-09-2014, 02:30 PM
Plafnd's Avatar
Plafnd
Plafnd is offline
2nd Gear
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: New York City
Posts: 52
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I don't know either but maybe it's not Mechanical, because my engine and transmission are really in good shape. No noise at all! I jacked up the car and controlled the boots (big joints) and they are fine. But the axle has not been changed since the collision...
 
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
igzekyativ
MINIs & Minis for Sale
34
07-16-2020 12:54 PM
Ryephile
Suspension
113
02-09-2020 03:43 PM
maestro39
R50/R53 :: Hatch Talk (2002-2006)
3
10-27-2015 02:38 PM
Zettinger
1st Gear
14
08-25-2015 04:04 PM
JPMontes3
R50/R53 :: Hatch Talk (2002-2006)
3
08-23-2015 01:26 AM



Quick Reply: Strange cracking noise on left front wheel



All times are GMT -7. The time now is 08:57 AM.