Hi guys!

I have a 2007 Mini Cooper S. it has about 68,000 miles on it and I got it around 8 months ago. For the better part of these 8 months, it's had this very annoying squeaking sound that starts when I go over bumps, generally. I took it to a dealer and they said its the water pump and that it would be around $800 to replace. I declined because its so expensive and it's not broken, it's just squeaky. It's a very high pitched squeal.

We discovered last night that it stops squeaking when I turn off the air conditioner.

Would you think it really is the water pump or something to do with the air conditioner? I really don't know much about cars.
I read that the water pumps for the Mimi's were recalled so shouldn't the dealer fix it for free if it is that?

Thanks!

 

Maybe if made a video of the problem it would help us better understand your problem... If the problem is from the co-drivers side of the engine bay, then you should have someone check the serpentine belt and what is connected to it. The belt drives the a/c compressor, water pump and generator.

A problem area can be the water pump, which is driven through a friction pulley (i.e. not directly by the belt). If the surface of the friction pulley is worn it may cause such sounds. If it is worn, it may indicate a worn water pump (common in R56s) which does not rotate freely.

An independent should be much cheaper than the dealer...

 

It starts off with the squeak and then it stops and then as I drive over a really bumpy part of road, it starts up again.
Here's the video

 

NEVER EVER EVER go to the dealer except for warranty work!!! Find a good qualified non-dealer Mini mechanic and save your money.

 

Try turning the AC blower fan off or to max does the sound go away?

If so check out these two links:
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...something.html

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...when-cold.html