I've just noticed a rudding sound coming from the front end of my MINI, it sound like my brakes are constantly on at low speeds. Does this sound serious or can I wait to get it to the dealer so they can look at it. I'm not the greatest at these types of things so I thought I'd ask here.

tommyb

 

Need more info....

What year is your Mini? Mileage?
Constant or variable sound?
Clicking? Thumping? Constant rub?
In time with wheel rotation?
Worse on cornering?
Present with clutch in or out?
Present at higher speeds?
Any changes in wheels/tires?

 

Yes, need more info. Also, is it a MCS and does it have LSD?

 

I have a 2004 MCS with about 18,000 miles on it, the sound seems to be variable durning tire rotation and does not get worse when I corner, it sems to be more of a rubbing sound then a clunk or thumping sound,

 

Three things to have your dealer check:

1. CV joints
2. wheel bearings
3. caliper (could be frozen)

 

Do you think it's safe to drive until I can get it to the dealer?

 

Probably, if you don't do too much tooling around between now and then. I definitely would advise against driving to the Dragon with a mysterious and un-diagnosed rubbing noise.

 

Just found out what the rubbing sound was, a broken left front tie rod, only 18,000 miles and it breaks, what a bummer, luckily it's covered under warranty and now I get to drive around in a new BMW 325xi loaner car till they get it fixed, I guess I can drive it for a couple of days, its not a MINI but it sure is nice,

tommyb

 

Tie-rod failure described in a 2002 post, but likely a problem from the factory (new vehicle).
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ead.php?t=1021

Did you hit anything (e.g. curb) that could account for the broken tie rod?

 

You know Minnesota is the pot hole capital because of our winters here, I tried missing as many as I could but I don't remember hitting any that would cause that type of damage, the left front wheel was pretty lose, all I can say is I'm glad I wasn't going down a highway if it ever came loose,

tommyb