MINI Coopers are compact-sized vehicles with spacious and comfortable interiors. MINIs are known for their high-quality performance that is packed into a small build. All of these things are put together to create a fun and exhilarating driving experience every time.

The best way for your MINI to stay in this condition is by keeping up with all the maintenance procedures that need to be done on a timely schedule. Often, some parts are overlooked that may require additional attention. One such part is the wheel bearing.

Wheel Bearings

The wheel bearings are part of the steering assembly and drive-axle. Each wheel is attached to a hub, and inside each hub is a set of wheel bearings. The wheel bearings are lubricated and are what allow the wheels to rotate without producing too much heat.

As newer technology emerged, vehicles newer than 1997 began to have wheel bearings that were intended to last the lifetime of the vehicle. These newer vehicles have a single wheel bearing of each wheel, as opposed to the set that was used in the older models. Even though these newly-designed wheel bearings are said to be maintenance-free and indestructible, they are susceptible to failure, just like any other part in your MINI.

Over time, the wheel bearings lose their ability to provide the necessary lubrication to prevent the heat from building up as the wheels spin. The wheel bearings can wear out, become loose, or break off completely.

If the wheel bearings break off, then you run the risk of having the wheel or tire disconnect from your MINI as you are driving at high speeds. The best way to prevent all of this from happening is to be aware of the following signs that indicate it is time to have the wheel bearings replaced.

Roaring or Grindings Noises

The first sign to look for is grinding or roaring noises coming from the tire area. These noises are caused by heat build-up in the wheel bearings due to the lack of lubrication. The sounds that you will hear are essentially metal-on-metal sounds. It is normal to hear these noises coming from only one side. When it is just on one side, uneven wear and tear are occurring.

Abnormal Tire Wear

Rarely do the wheel bearings wear evenly. When they don’t, one tire will be more noticeably worn than the others. When the wheel bearing has failed and needs replacing, the corresponding tire will have more wear than the other tires. You may notice that the specific tire in question does not have as much tire tread left when compared to the other tires.

Normally, if the left wheel bearing needs to be replaced, the right one will as well. This ensures a balance between all tires at all times. You are more likely to notice the tire imbalance when driving at higher speeds.

It is important to note here that even though abnormal tire wear is most commonly caused by failed wheel bearings, it can also be caused by other things, including misaligned suspensions, under or over-inflated tires, and the struts and shocks. So the only way to truly identify if it is the wheel bearing that is failing, your trusted mechanic will need to take a look at you MINI.

Steering Wheel Vibration

One last sign to be aware of when the wheel bearing of your MINI needs to be replaced is steering wheel vibrations. When the issue is the wheel bearing, the steering wheel noticeably vibrates while driving at slow speeds. As you increase in speed, so do the steering wheel vibrations. This is how you know the vibrating steering wheel is caused by failed wheel bearings and not something else.

Master Mechanics Auto Repair will Replace Your Front Wheel Bearings

When you notice any of the above-mentioned signs of wheel bearing failure, it is time to bring your MINI into us at Master Mechanics Auto Repair. We are easily accessible from the areas of Battle Creek, Portage, and Kalamazoo, MI. When you bring your MINI into us, one of our trained and certified mechanics will use the latest diagnostic tools to determine which wheel bearings need replacing.

We take pride in servicing vehicles accurately and quickly. You will be safely on the road in no time after you bring your MINI to us for any repairs. Call us today to make a convenient appointment.