Grinding noise from front when breaking

[dombarnard]

2006 Mini Park Lane

A grinding noise has developed from the front near-side wheel. Has got progressively worse for the past 4 months. Mini said in my last service the pads are to be changed Dec/Jan time, so I don't think it can be worn pads.

The noise is constant when driving slowly, worse when steering full-lock left or right and vanishes when reversing.

Could this be the wheel bearings, if so would it be covered by my warranty?

Any help much appreciated.

[dombarnard]

PS - noise is louder when breaking

[The Eggman]

I think your pads could be worn out, the wear is not calender based as BMW seem too idicate to you.

[dombarnard]

Thank you Eggman

[The Eggman]

Quote: Originally Posted by dombarnard (original)

Thank you Eggman

Cheers BMW call there mechanics technicians, "s--t for brains" would be better. They plug the car into a computer and "Praise The Lord" all problems solved, they even know when your brake pads need changing regardless of mileage.

Go to a mini specialist next time PLEASE

[Richard Crofts]

could be pads...but if its there all the time its most likely a bearing. the reason its louder when braking is its probably because the bearing is under more load than usual when braking. if its only really there when braking then its most likely pads or a binding piston holding the pad against the disc.

jack her up, take the wheel off on the side that sounds worse and look at the pad to see how much material is left on it before the metal backing. also look at the disc and see if its waring a lot and being scratched as this will hapen if theres no pad left.

To check the bearing one way is to put wheel back on and then hold the top and bottom of the wheel and twist up and down/back and forth. if the wheel moves then the bearing is well on its way out. however this only works if its quite bad, so is not a sure fire test