My MINI is making a strange noise when I am turning right. The best description would be Wump Wump Wump. I took it to Big O tires. I was thinking maybe wheel bearings. They said it was just that the back tire is wore in spots. My question is, Why is it only doing it on right turns, then? Doesn't seem too logical to me.

 

Important question - does your MINI have the LSD option?

 

I have been know to hallucinate while driving

Actually, I have no idea. How do you tell?

 

Well, one quick way, if you have your build sheet, it would be listed as a separate option on there.

 

Mine's an 03. From reviewing other posts, it looks like that is only on newer models? I dunno.

 

Bought my MINI used.

 

Yep, you had it right. The LSD only became available from January 2005 builds onwards... so nevermind.

The reason I asked - the factory LSD is known to make exactly that type of sound, because of the fluid they used. There was even a TSB out, directing dealerships to replace the fluid with a different type that doesn't make that noise (but only if the customer complained about it, of course!).

But anyway... none of this is helping you. I'm not sure what's causing your sound then (sorry!) but it does sound like a trip to the dealership would be time well spent.

 

There was another guy who made a thread about this recently. The conclusion was that it has something to do with the way the runflats are mounted on the rims and that it isnt something to worry about it.

I get the same noise when i make left turn and it is cooler out, the dealer said it was normal and even went so far as to compare my mini to another. They were both doing it so i dont think you should worry.

 

I've been going through this exact same phenom' lately.

The dealer told me it's "just tire noise," but I still have this fear that one of my tires is gonna blow when I'm doing 70mph somewhere!