Noise from front of car - please help diagnose!

[cokey]

Ive got an 03 MCS. Started getting a noise from the front of the car, when pulling off from staitonary. The noise was the sort of moaning noise a bus makes when braking, much quieter though. The last service mentioned that the front brake pads and discs needed replacing, so I assumed this was the cause of the noise. Had them changed out a couple of weeks ago but the noise has not gone away.

I then assumed that the brake calipers were maybe seizing and sticking the pads to the discs after braking, therefore making the noise when I pull off. I took it to a mechanic that I'm aquainted with, but it seems that the noise is hard to replicate after the car has been driven for a few miles (the journey was 30 miles/45 mins). He told me to try and pinpoint where the noise is coming from, when it next happens. He was very busy and couldn't really offer much more, other than he'll be able to look at it properly in about 3 weeks.

I took the car back to work and left it for 5 hours. I then got a couple of colleagues to stand either side of the car as I pulled off, backwards and forwards. They are both sure that the noise is eminating from the front but it doesn't seem to be coming from a particular side. Beacuse the noise dosen't seem to come from one particular wheel, I'm now wondering if the problem isn't the calipers (unless both front calipers are seizing). What else could cause this type of noise? As I said the noise is like a quietened down version of a bus braking, a moaning noise. It also seems to happen more if I'm pulling off and turning at the same time, and happens whether Im going forwards or reversing.

One other thing that the last service mentioned was that the Control Arm Bushings need replacing. Mentioned this to the mechanic, he did some braking, backwards and forwards but said that it didnt feel like they need to be urgently changed. Could these bushings be causing the noise? Mechanic didn't think so but I'd be interested to hear oppinions from the group.

Thanks in advance for any help
Marc

[iain cooper]

sounds like your power steering moaning a bit.........does it do it when you are stationary and turn the wheel from lock to lock ??

Iain

[cokey]

Quote: Originally Posted by iain cooper (original)

sounds like your power steering moaning a bit.........does it do it when you are stationary and turn the wheel from lock to lock ??

Iain

Thanks Iain. I've just been out and tested it and no, it doesn't make the noise when stationary when I turn the wheel from lock to lock. I get the usual whine from the power steering but nothing more. The noise that happens when I pull off is a very different noise to the power steering whine - like I said, sounds like a bus braking.

[Neilstar]

Do you have a limited slip diff and does the noise only happen when turning at low speeds? Could be that gearbox oil needs changing for a higher viscosity one.

[cokey]

Quote: Originally Posted by Neilstar (original)

Do you have a limited slip diff and does the noise only happen when turning at low speeds? Could be that gearbox oil needs changing for a higher viscosity one.

Sorry, don't know if it has a limited slip diff - how would I find out? It's a Cooper S 03 reg. The noise only happens when pulling off from stationary. Noise happens when pulling off and turning (like turning left at a give way) but it also happens pulling off in a straight line (I think).

[cokey]

Update:

Did some experimenting this morning. Pulled off slowly, getting the creaking, moaning sound, like a bus braking, for the first few yards, then let the car come to a stop without using brakes at all. Pulled off again and still got the noise. Did this several times, without using brakes at all. Got the noise every time. Noise happens whether I pull off in a straight line or with wheel turned but more prominent with the wheel turned.

Noise doesn't happen after the car has been driven for a while (my usual 30 mile / 45 minute commute).

Suggestions?

[Neilstar]

Does the noise happen if you dip the clutch? If you phone mini they should be able to tell you if you have a limited slip diff. I believe it was an optional extra on your model/year.

[redlinepete]

Mine does it......It's the clutch/Flywheel....It goes away afer the car gets warm....I can live with it....I don't think it will do any damage...so

[cokey]

I have the original list of optional extras that shipped with the car, no mention of LSD.

I will try dipping the clutch later and report back. I'll also get a couple of the lads to push the car from standstill to see if the noise happens that way.

[redlinepete]

I thought it was the brakes because that is what it sounds like...As you did I changed the disks and pads with no change...I also got someone to push the car No noise..Free wheel down the hill outside my house No noise...But Take your foot off the clutch slowly the noise is there.

[DaFlake]

Wheel bearing perhaps?

Why not take it to a garage and get it looked at?

[redlinepete]

Not a wheel bearing the car only moves an inch when you hear the noise...There is no noise when the car is moving it only happens in a second when you take you foot off the clutch...... Just like a sticking brake

[cokey]

I think your'e right Redlinepete and thanks very much for your posts!

Took the car out earlier. The noise is over too quick to dip the clutch in to see if the noise stops. I did however take the car to a steep road. Came off the brake and let the car take off from stationary (in neutral) - no noise. I did this several times, no noise. If I did the same with the car in gear the noise was back when I let the clutch up.

So, is this anything I should be worried about?

[dan_cooper_s]

It sounds like a similar problem I have when I let the clutch out in first gear when pulling away from stationary. Only happens when the engine is cold.

Ive looked at many posts on here about it and some people refer to it as a "chewbaca" like sound.. it has been linked to the clutch plate and apparently BMW know about it and have replaced many under warranty only for the noise to come back again.

I dont think it is anything to worry about immediately, but im lucky enough to have AA warranty cover and so ill get it looked at in the next week or so through them.

[redlinepete]

I don't think so....It's been doing it on mine since I had it last year..The clutch is working fine.....I think it's just a glaze on the fly wheel.....If it get gets worse or starts sliping then you will have to have it done....As I said mine only makes the noise for about 200 mtrs then it's fine. So i will live with it.