first off i am thinking its the driver side transaxle or possible cv joint.
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'02 5spd, 78k miles with no history of major breakdowns. lowered two weeks ago.

noise increases tone with increasing speed, disapears when the clutch pedal is put to the floor.

noise not present while sitting still and reving the engine.

noise is present in all gears.

transmission seems to be shifting just fine and isnt leaking on the garage floor.

possible slight play in steering and vibration in the steering wheel that wasnt there a week ago on, also have freshly balanced wheels/tires.

verbal description - a whirling, similar to twirling your tongue


thoughts?

 

It's obviously related to something either moving or spinning. This is a tough one. I'd say get the car in the air wether you go to a garage or have a friend with a lift. Get the car up and run it through the gears and listen with a cheapo automotive stethoscope.

 

just checking.. Is it a clicking sound mainly heard when pulling out on to or in to traffic?? I had a torn CV boot and then had to have the axle replaced. Warranty items.

 

i wish i had lift to use, but i dont... dont think i want to try and run in on jack stands either.

no clicking, it actually goes away under 15mph or just gets queit enough so that i cant hear it.

thanks for the responses guys. im going to call classic mini tomorrow and see what it would cost to replace both at once. if i wont be taking a huge hit ill just go through with it so i have dependible transportation

 

Check this thread first (it's a long one) and see if the symptoms match -some of your appear to- before replacing parts.
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=18230

-skip-

 

you say the sound goes away when the clutch is depressed, so I would look at the clutch assembly first.

 

just today, i actually started thinkin it may be the fly wheel. im getting ready to do a search and see what i can come up with.