Today a NEW sound started on my mini! From the left side, I can't tell if it's front or rear yet, I can hear a squeaking from one of the wheels when I have the window open. It happens below 50 mph, so I can't hear it on the highway. It is intermittent, and is related to car speed, not engine speed. It's a high pitched squeak, sounds pretty much just like crickets stuck in my wheel. Could it be a wheel bearing? Car is an 02 MCS with 54k, which also has a pretty bad shake at highway speeds.

 

Not sure what it is, but I think I have the same problem (04 MC). Definitely related to car speed and seems in synch with wheel rotation.

 

take a look under the rear of the car and look at the rear struts. there's usually a rubber piece around the bottom of the strut that pops out and rubs on the wheel. good luck!

 

I had a squeeky wheel when i first got my mini. It was really annoying so I took it to the garage and they greased up the brakes and calip things (sorry dont know much about cars) Anyway it fixed the squeeks..

PS.. If the barings are bad you will know about it... The car will make an awful noise.