Hi I have a 2006 min cooper making a loud noise in front passenger whelp. My husband isolated to that wheel. He thinks it's a wheel bearing. Car has 109k. What brand should we look at for replacement. A Mini OEM part or is there another brand that would be better. Thanks.

 

Did you mean from the font passenger wheel? A faulty wheel bearing can exhibit a few warning signs. The most obvious would be a howling or grinding noise from a front wheel while in motion. This noise would get louder when you steer side to side. If worse when steering to the right, the left side bearing is usually at fault and the opposite holds true for when steering left. You can check for a noisy wheel bearing with the vehicle stationary too. Jack the front of your vehicle and rotate the front wheel; while rotating, place your hand on the front coil spring. You should be able to pick up a vibration in the spring. There may also be free-play in the bearing. You can check for free-play by jacking the front of your vehicle and wiggling the wheel up and down. If there is any free-play, replace the bearing. If you have determined that your issue is indeed a wheel bearing you can do the NSK OEM supplier or Genuine MINI bearing HERE. Let me know if you have any questions.