Don't Feel Safe (Brake complaint)

[COOPERUK]

Over the last month or so I have noticed a loud creaking/clicking noise coming from what seems like the steering column, especially when parking/going round roundabouts. Initially I thought it was one of those 'normal' squeaks/rattles that seem to come with the Mini and disappear as quickly as they arrive, but no. At around the same time I starting having probs with my breaks. I broke more quickly than normal and a grating noise started when I pressed the break. Again this has happened on a few occasions now. I have never had ABS on a car before but I'm sure it's not that. This is a pain really as I have not had the car long (5 months) and three months into having it the fuel pump had to be replaced! I did have it booked in to be looked at on Friday, but due to the bad weather they cancelled! Help!!!! Any advice for a sad Cooper owner?

[Chris Williams]

CooperUK,

Sorry to hear about your problem. I can't say I've noticed the problem that you refer to. I think the best think is to get it into the dealer as quickly as possible. Normally and I have had the ABS cut in twice since having the car then I'm not aware of a grating sound more of a binding sound as the brakes work to bring the car to a halt. Get it into the dealer and I trust things work out, I'm sorry to hear of your problems.

Chin up

Regards
Christopher

[KenL]

If you're worried get your car checked out asap. With something like brakes you'd be best to go to your dealer and ask them to check it while you wait.

As to ABS - it's very dramatic when it cuts in. I think the sound you describe sounds like how it should. What you hear is a sound like the wheels locking up and skidding momentarily and also some hydraulic sounds from the brakes themselves.

I tried mine out on an empty wet road and was shocked by the sound but also very pleased how quickly I stopped. MINI is my first car with ABS and was a strong selling point as my last car didn't have it.

[Racer]

For what it's worth my guess would be that the click etc. on turning is a problem with the driveshafts now from experience the gators can and do split / let the grease out causing failure - IF this has happened it is possible that the grease has found itself on the brakes which are in close proximity and hence given you braking issues - Like those above say I'd have your dealer check it out

[mr.bill]

When Motorweek did the test on the Cooper, they said it stopped from 60mph in "a rather long 130 feet." Last weekend on "Auto Motor und Sport," they had a report on four "rechipped" Cooper S models in Germany with from 195 to a bit over 200HP. The most expensive conversion had Porsche brakes and they said it vastly improved the stopping power. They mentioned that the others had the factory brakes and some caution should be used. From the way they said it, you might infer that the standard brakes on the MINI are not as good as they should be.

[Wul]

Cooperuk - my coop is suffering from the same steering noise - in Dec 02 it was in for this amongst other things and they greased the column and it disappeared - however it has returned so when my car goes in tomorrow will get them to look at it again. There is a known fault with some steering columns (to do with the bearings) and BMW are replacing them if the fault occurs (there are a few threads on it here)so be safe and get it checked out.

As for the brakes - do you notice this noise more when first braking after the car has been parked up? My car does this for the first couple of presses of the brake after its been parked. Sounds like someone has stuck sand between the pads and the discs! It's because of the surface corrosion on the steel discs - the current wet/salty roads are causing everyones discs to get surface corrosion very quickly - but if it is this then don't worry as it polishes off the discs after a couple of presses of the brake and is not detrimental to the discs.

You'll know the ABS has kicked in if you hear a loud pulsing "rattle" and feel the brake pedal pulse also.

[KenL]

My steering wheel has the same click.

Into the dealers on Wednesday. I've reported it before but the last time they thought it was normal!

[BillK]

Quote:

Originally posted by COOPERUK

Over the last month or so I have noticed a loud creaking/clicking noise coming from what seems like the steering column, especially when parking/going round roundabouts. . . . [snip] . . . I broke more quickly than normal and a grating noise started when I pressed the break.

It sounds to me like a brake caliper has come loose. I have seen thos happen on other cars (no my MINI). The caliper will still ride on the roter, but it will drag if the alignment to the roter is not square, like when cetrifical force affects it going around a corner.

Two things:

1) Look through the wheels at the roters and see if there is any scoring (scratches, maybe deep). If so, there is definatly a problem with the brake caliper.

2) Take it to the dealer either way and have them check it out. I would recommend you do this soon. Now would be good. If it is a brake problem, you do not want to be driving around with it.

I have found my brakes to be quite good actually, and yes, if the antilock kicks in, you know, it pulses back through the peddle to make sure you notice. You notice.

[Wul]

Quote:

Originally posted by KenL
My steering wheel has the same click.

Into the dealers on Wednesday. I've reported it before but the last time they thought it was normal!

KenL - are you taking yours to Dunedin today? picked mines up yesterday - i'm booked in for a new steering column fit on the 17th! Hope you get a result.

Are you getting the yellow courtesy car? hope i left enough fuel in it for you

BTW - have a look at the back parking area - 3 white coops - one with aero kit - V Nice!

[KenL]

Hi Wul,

Not Dunedin as Eastern is my dealer. Got a nice black ONE as coutesy car with only 8 miles on the clock

The service manager came out with me in the car to get a feel for what was wrong. I pointed out the steering column click and he said they'd replaced a couple of columns on others. Said some part was on back order from Germany so I may not get it done this time.

Cheers,
Ken.

[COOPERUK]

Just to say thanks for all your advice. I have booked it in for Monday. They won't know what has hit them with all my knowledge! Cheers.

[Wul]

Quote:

Originally posted by KenL
Hi Wul,

Not Dunedin as Eastern is my dealer. Got a nice black ONE as coutesy car with only 8 miles on the clock

The service manager came out with me in the car to get a feel for what was wrong. I pointed out the steering column click and he said they'd replaced a couple of columns on others. Said some part was on back order from Germany so I may not get it done this time.

Cheers,
Ken.

Well Ken - how did you get on? did the lads at eastern sort you out ok?

[KenL]

Quote:

Originally posted by Wul
Well Ken - how did you get on? did the lads at eastern sort you out ok?

On my way shortly to pick up the car. Let you know later.

Cheers,
Ken.

[Wul]

Well Dunedin BMW just called - my new steeing column is in

So booked for the 3rd to get it fitted and my wee drive with the senior technician.