i have an 06 mini base model and at 60k had to replace my wheel bearing due to excessive noise and vibration....well actually the dealer i bought it at said he replaced it but didn't. the problem continued to get worse and when i changed the brakes noticed some play in the same wheel and looked at the hub which was never removed. i took it back as they already recieved payment from my warranty and demanded to have it fixed. this time i checked in the parking lot by removing the tire. problem was fixed but after about 300 miles the bearing is whining louder than ever! anyone have a similar issue or know what would cause bearings to fail so quick
Since the dealer already lied to you it seems they are less than ideal. If they just quickly threw a bearing in there and didn't lubricate it adequately beforehand I'd think it wouldn't last very long. If there's no lubrication then it will have to be replaced again.
Are you sure it's the same noise? Is the noise constant or do you only hear it under certain circumstances?
The MINI wheel bearings are sealed units pre-lubed from the factory so unless its a lemon bearing assembly it should be fine for lubrication.
Could be you have more that one problem? Simple test for a bearing problem. If it makes noise in a straight line listen to the sound as you go around a left turn then a right turn. Does it change? The sound should decrease when the problem bearing is unloaded - i.e. on the inside of a turn.
I would suspect that something was not put back together correctly - anti-rattle clips incorrectly installed and now touching the rotor. You did not mention if it was front or rear?
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2007 MCS Laser Blue 2010, 2008 BMW Oktoberfest Autocross - Stock Mini First Place
2009 BMW Oktoberfest Autocross - Stock Mini Second Place BMW CCA Driving Instructor/Engine Mechanic/Speech Recognition Specialist