MINI Coopers are known for being stylish, efficient, and luxurious. You pay a pretty penny for them, so it is reasonable to expect that you will get a better experience out of driving one than a domestic or standard brand. While you absolutely do get everything you want and more out of these cars, you can’t expect them to be completely immune to damage.

One of the more common problems that MINI Coopers face is damaged wheel bearings. It may not sound like a big deal, but prolonged issues can be dangerous. In order to drive safely again, you need to protect these bearings from excessive damage.

In this article, you are going to learn about the signs of malfunctioning wheel bearings, why they get damaged, how you can protect your wheel bearings, and where to have yours replaced if they fail.

Signs of Damaged Wheel Bearings in a MINI Cooper

If your MINI’s wheel bearings are damaged, there are a few things happening that may warn you before they break down completely:

Loud noises coming from the tires or from the wheel while you drive

This is one of the most common and most obvious signs that the wheel bearings are damaged. It will typically sound like metal grinding together, and it gets louder the faster you go. No matter what the root of the problem really is, you should go to an auto shop ASAP when you hear that sound.

Prematurely worn down tires

If one wheel bearing is missing or damaged, your tires will wear out unevenly and before they should need to be replaced.

The steering wheel is wobbling

Damaged wheel bearings make steering too loose. This is one of the most dangerous symptoms you will face. Wobbly steering will slow down your reaction time in the event of an emergency, potentially causing a crash and injuries to yourself and/or others.

The wheel could begin to fall off while you are driving

This is incredibly dangerous. Even if you escape unscathed, someone else’s vehicle may be damaged by your runaway tire.

Why Wheel Bearings Get Damaged

You were in a vehicular accident

Several parts of your MINI Cooper would have been damaged, but wheel bearings are easily overlooked in the grand scheme of things. You may have been focusing on repairing everything else when these were damaged, too.

They were installed improperly

Not every auto mechanic is made the same. Sometimes, you may get lower quality service than you anticipated. If the wheel bearings weren’t installed carefully, they could be more susceptible to damage.

Manufacturer error

While quality control for vehicles like yours is high, mistakes can still be made. One slip up could damage your wheel bearings from the start. If your MINI Cooper is new and you are already noticing some of the symptoms occur, it could be the manufacturer’s fault.

The seal was damaged

Wheel bearing seals keep the bearings lubricated and free of dirt or other debris. When the seal breaks, your wheel bearings can get damaged pretty quickly.

How You Can Protect Your Wheel Bearings

There are a few things that you can do to try and keep the wheel bearings of your MINI Cooper in optimal shape:

Get them replaced when recommended

For most vehicles, the general rule to follow is to have your bearings replaced between 80,000 and 118,000 miles driven. This will ensure that they are always working properly and not wearing down.

Get your MINI regularly inspected

A professional will be able to check for any wheel bearing or tire damage earlier than you would likely notice. From there, they can fix the problem before it gets worse or dangerous to drive.

Drive carefully

Take driving seriously; it is easier to get into an accident than you would believe. Don’t text, eat, or get distracted while driving. This will lessen your chances of crashing and damaging your wheel bearings.

Where to Have Your Wheel Bearings Replaced

When your wheel bearings do wear down and cause issues for your vehicle, or you just need routine replacements, come to Das European Autohaus for help. We specialize in servicing European vehicles, so you can trust us to treat your delicate and intricate car with the utmost care. If you are in or near the Spring or Houston areas of Texas, give us a call and make an appointment today. We promise that you’ll be on the road again in no time.

* Mini Cooper Countryman image credit goes to: bruev.