so orginally i replaced the right cv axle on the 05 JCW because the boot was torn and was making a rotational clicking(?) sound and figured that must be it. well it appears thats not the case, or at least not all of it. i have been, or was still getting that sound even after replacing the axle. well it sat for a few weeks in the garage while the family and i were up north visiting family. we came back and started driving it but now its making more of a rotational creaking sound instead. we only seem to notice it though when the steering wheel is turning, or thats at least when its most apparent. i noticed once though when a car was passing by that when i applied the brakes the sound would go away, but come back the second i released them.

the guy we bought the car from said the right side was "repaired" at a cost of 5k due to hitting a large pothole. when i went to replace the cv axle i found it interesting that i had to replace it at all for a torn boot, but more importantly that it only appeared that the control arm must have been replaced since it was a shinier then the left side. so that makes me wonder if anything else was actually replaced. so im thinking of replacing the bearing isnt going to hurt but is there any recommendations as to what bearing brand to go with?

 

As strange as it sounds, I've had a similar issue (non Mini car). I ended up replacing all axles, wheel bearings (definitely culprit for some of the noises I was hearing), hubs, ball joints, bushings, etc. Still was hearing a click so I decided to swap my brake pads around. So, I took the back pad on the caliper and moved it to the front. Seems the pads were clicking on the rotors because they're pretty 'gunked' up.

I definitely recommend starting with the bearing as they have been known to make all sorts of strange noises. The rotational noise is what makes me believe that is what it is. Can buy wheel bearings here. Start there and let us know if it resolves your issue. Good luck!



-Luccia

 

Thanks for the info!

 

My pleasure! Let me know if you have any other questions.

-Luccia