Hi all,
I have a 2002 mini with about 80K with a bad front bearing. $189 seems a bit dear for a new bearing/hub ***'y, and since I am a bit away from suppliers, I was wondering if anyone has had new bearings pressed in at a bearing shop.

I have searched the forums and someone alluded to being able to have this done for about $70. Has anyone actually done this?
I can't imagine the two parts are inseparable...It looks like a an outer sealing ring with internal snap/retainer ring unit to me.

Thanks in advance,
Steve

 

I don't really know what is available individualy or as assemblies. Realoem.com can usually help there.

also, classic auto campus (vendor here) sells Mini parts at 20% to NAM members....

Matt

 

The only way to know for sure is to tear it down and search for the correct bearing. If you have more than one car, it's well worth a shot. I figure you have about an 85% chance of finding the right bearing and repairing it without having to get a real MINI part.

Rawhyde

 

Thanks, Matt.
The hub/bearing is only available as an assembly, not separately. I just looked on the realoem.com parts list and noticed the hub assy required a core. Looks like someone wants to press new bearings in our old hubs...the plot thickens.
I will probably go down to my local bearing shop and see what they say.
Steve

 

Thanks, Rawhyde.
Yes, I own more than one car--sore spot with my wife, so let's move on.

Here's my thought: BMW probably sourced a relatively standard bearing from *** or another OEM supplier and gave the hub manufacturer a 'sweetheart' deal where new hubs would be required with new bearings in return for lower cost to BMW on the units.
Sounds a bit like the second gunman on the grassy knoll, but totally plausable in today's auto industry.

Anyway, I will pass it on if I can find the bearing and will come up with a part # or bearing dimension for the group to share.

 

There is NO core for the old hub assembly. I'm sure someone who rebuilds these could put just the bearing in, but WHY? I know I would want the piece of mind that comes with the proper part. The actual cost from the dealer is $140-150 which is right in line with the oem aftermarket http://replacement.autopartswarehous...embly&dp=false
Saving thousands of dollars I can see, but $60 or so for such a critical part of the car I think is reasonable.
Just my .02
--Dan with apologies for the bad math

 

old thread i know...

but i'm currently having this problem with my Mini. loud "humming" and "whirring" sound from about 40kph up. i'm only hearing it from the left though. should i have the left AND right replaced as well?

 

I had a similiar problem, and with assistance from Mini Peabody and ultimately Turner Motorsports it was determined to be LF wheel bearing.

The car has 95k miles, and four years of autocross @ about 12 events/year.

Turners replaced the bearing (part cost to me $206) and the issues was completely cured.

Neither shop recommended both bearings (although it occurred to me).