It has 7,000 miles right now. I want the dealer to re-glue the plastic ring around the speedometer. It's loose and its rattle is very annoying. I also want them to do something about the rattle where the dashtop meets the A pillar (those two pieces are too close or something). Do you think they'll be able to do this?

More importantly, there's a loud noise coming from my left front wheel area. I'm thinking it's maybe a wheel bearing or a rubbing brake. It's an intermediate soft-thumping noise that occurs once everytime the wheel goes around. The car handles perfectly though. So, I want my dealer (Mini North Scottsdale) to drive it and take a look at it. What do you guys think it might be?

Also, do you have any advice for me for when I go to the dealer?

 

dejavu? i was watching Alias yesterday and now my head is confused.

 

I'm pretty desperate for some advice.

 

With the noise see if you can make sure your Service Advisor can hear it when you take the car in. For the ring and dash noises make sure they are aware of it and go from there.

With this done you know they are aware of the noise and can replicate it. Then with the dash rattle and trim rim can hopefully fix it to your liking

 

For the left front wheel noise....is it worse (louder) when you turn to the right (loading the left side)? = wheel bearing.

I had my service advisor drive the MINI when I had a faulty wheel bearing. This usually convinces them.

 

I made an appointment for Wednesday.

I told them I have the gear rattle (when it's in neutral and the clutch is out). Can that be fixed?

I don't know if it makes the noise more when I'm turning or not. But it's audible from 10mph-50mph with the windows down.

 

Don't even go there!!


Ask to see the technical bulletin that relates to the "rattle" you are talking about. Probably normal for this transmission/clutch, and repairs described on this site have ranged from replacing the clutch and transmission (with no effect!!), changing the flywheel, and replacing the throw-out bearing. The sound usually comes back.

IMHO, the clutch rattle you are talking about is probably normal, but I have yet to see the rumored service bulletin. If you can get your hands on it, please post it!!

 

If the bearing is loose you should be able to tug on the top of the wheel and feel the play. Should feel like a little click. If its good everything should just move as a piece. I mentioned this before in another thread around here about noises in the front drive train, but I can't find it, so I'll mention it again. A problem I had on my 996 was a very similar one. Sounded like a metallic scrape once a rotation. I traced the trouble to the dust shield behind the brake rotor. It had warped slightly and a bit of it was in contact with the rotor. The effect was more pronunced when turning at low speed. Might not be your problem, but its simple enough to check. In the case of the 996, I simply reached around and pushed the shield away from the rotor. Problem solved.