2 problems Already :(
Hi all .. Just bought my mini and posted in the 1st gear forum a few days ago ..

Been driving it like mad and have noticed a couple of noises I didn't hear at first was wondering if you all could possibly point me in the right area ?


First :

When at a slow roll I hear a pulsing wearing type noise coming from what seems to be the back wheel area. (thinking warped rotor?)

Second

Sometimes but not always when driving on the freeway and taking a slight right turn I hear a rapid knocking coming from the passanger front wheel area. but only for a few seconds not on every turn and if I move the wheel even teh slightest bit it stops ( I have no idea on this on)

Well if anyone can help it would be much appreciated .. I have it going to Mini of San Antonio tomorrow .. I would just like to have some kind of idea before they charge me a ton of money :(



EDIT : its an 04 with 34,200....

 

Congrats on the car....

First problem -- You probably have s-lites with Eagle RSA's on them? By your discription, it sounds like the tires have been run flat before and now you hear the aftermath... the pulsing / rubbing type noise.

Second problem -- sorry, no idea....!!!

 

Second problem - check your wheel lugs. Make sure they are torqued. Do you have camber plates?

 

ok you have to forgive the stupidity


what are camber plates ?

 

Used on top of your front shocks/spring to allow greater camber adjustment. But I would say you don't have them since you are asking.

 

ok looked up camber plates .. going to check ..


Nope checked no camber plates

 

issue #1 does the car have runflats? If so the tires are known to be noisy.....I have the same exact noise you describe...had it a couple of times, to test just swap the tire to the front, the noise moves with the tire then its the tire, if not it could be a wheel bearing but I bet its the runflats

 

going out to buy new tires .. I just quoted the runflates from goodyear

335 a piece there has to be a better option .. what tires do most of you all use .. I have about a 600 dollar budget :(

 

I understand why Mini offers run flats but I don't think I would be running them personally. They're expensive and noisy and there are better options out there.

 

Non-runflats plus a small air compressor, tire slime and maybe a plug kit.

 

Check tirerack.com for loads of options. If you have the stock s-lites, then your tires size is 205/45/17.

 

Tires fixed both my problems ..

Thanks for everyone's suggestions !!!!