Now that its winter and cold I've noticed a loud squeaking noise when turning the wheel left or right. I replaced the front strut mounts a couple years ago as they where shot. They still look good but is that a common issue as in making noise?

 

How many miles on the actual struts? I have had those make noise as you describe.

 

130k

 

Yeah I am going to bet those are the problem.

 

Thats my bet also, the only part that makes noise on the older gen 1 MINIs is the steering shaft U joint.

 

My right side strut top mount squeaks but my certified mini mechanic said its often because there is a metal washer that someone forgot to put on top of the strut and that is why I'm hearing the "rubber-like" squeal. He said my strut is fine. Don't know if he is correct or not, but he could have told me otherwise and I'd have had him replaced them. I've not seen any noticeable difference in performance. I've owned it 1 x year and have no idea if previous owners changed them out or when they did it. I just went over 100k miles.

 

This is what I'm guessing ^ I did replace the upper mount as they were cracked about a years ago and very soon after the noise started. I ordered new mounts as they are not expensive.