2012 Cooper S with 19k miles on it. The past few days I have been hearing this rubbing/grinding noise on my right front, but it only happens when making left hand turns. It sounds likes brakes rubbing or grinding, but my pads still have more than half life left all the way around.

I hear it more at slower speeds, especially in a parking lot and turning into a spot. But as soon as i hit the brakes, it stops. I'm starting to hear it more frequently as the days progress at higher speeds, but still only when turning left. Also, when i push down on the right front strut area i hear a rubber creaking noise. Nothing heard when hitting a bump. Just when i push on it. Every other corner of the car is quiet. What could it be? Wheel bearing? Bad strut or strut mount?

 

i think i have the same noise coming from the front right side, it feels like when im turning left or right and as i pick up speed from dead stop, i hear some kind of grinding noise and it goes away after driving for a while. could be the ball bearing? pads? my pads are around 50%. good luck!

 

have an appointment with my mini dealer on monday. see what it is. better be covered under warranty.

 

What did it end up being? My mini is doing a similar thing?

 

They said it was the backing plate hitting the rotor. So the bent it back. However, as soon as I left I heard it again a couple times and took it straight back. Wasn't able to recreate the noise on the test drive with the technician and haven't heard it since. Very strange.