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One of the most common causes of unusual noise around the wheel of your Mini is a failure of the front wheel bearings. These are small ball-like parts that have enormous work to do in your vehicle, and if they are not properly maintained, your driving experience might be worsened. Here, we’ll take you through the common ways you can detect that your Mini front wheel has a failing bearing and then show you how to deal with this problem.
What is Front Wheel Bearing?
Front-wheel bearings are actually an integral part of your Mini’s wheel assembly. They are metal rings that contain small spheres made from steel or rollers that enable your wheels to rotate while minimizing friction. Located at the center of every wheel, these bearings are exposed to normal force and continuous spinning making them vital components of your car.
These bearings can one day get worn out by mileage, driving conditions, or even lack of periodic maintenance. When this happens, you will begin to notice some changes in your Mini in terms of performance and safety.
Symptoms That Indicate You Need Front Wheel Bearing Replacement
- Unusual Noises Coming from the Wheels: The first symptom of a failing front wheel bearing is that you will start hearing unusual sounds at the front of the car. There are some signs you would notice, such as a grinding or growling noise originating from the wheels when cornering or accelerating. These noises suggest that the bearings are not rotating freely anymore inside the wheel hub.
- Vibrations in the Steering Wheel: If you feel vibrations or shaking in the steering wheel or in the car body, especially at high speeds, you may have to check the front wheel bearings. The vibrations are due to irregular wheel movement occasioned by bad bearings.
- Uneven Tire Wear: Worn-out wheel bearings can cause your Mini tires to wear out unevenly. In case you observe that one tire is wearing out more than the other, then you should have your bearings checked.
- Loose or Wobbly Wheels: If your bearing is worn out, the wheel hub may become loose and this will make your wheels to wobble. Not only does it alter the way that your Mini handles, but it is also a safety concern because you may not have full control of the vehicle.
- Pulling to One Side: A bad wheel bearing will cause one side of the car to drag slightly because of the resistance it will develop. This can lead to more uncertainty in the way a car steering responds.
- Burning Smell Near the Wheels: If the wheel bearing is old and its ball or roller bearings are damaged, worn out, or seized, it may produce heat and you may smell burning near the wheel. This is one of the signs of very serious damage that must be dealt with urgently.
How To Replace Front Wheel Bearings
A technician will examine your Mini to ensure that the wheel bearing is responsible for the issue. To get to the bearing, the wheel, brake assembly, and the hub are delicately taken off. Then, it is followed by the removal of the damaged bearing and installation of a brand-new bearing.
There are specific tools used in the replacement to avoid other problems arising from the substandard work done. After the new bearing has been fitted the hub, brake, and wheel are assembled. The car is then tested on the road to check on all the systems and confirm that they run properly.
Come To Protech Automotive Services For Your Wheel Bearing Replacement
Protech Automotive Services is 
your go-to auto repair shop if you drive a Mini in Johnston, RI. Our experienced technicians know what the Mini needs and can easily find and repair anything that is wrong with the car accurately.
Whether it’s the front wheel bearing change or some other problem, we are ready to help your Mini run like a new one. We also tend to vehicles from the surrounding cities such as Cranston, North Providence, Warwick, Smithfield, and East Greenwich, RI. Do not let a bad bearing spoil your drive—get in touch with us now and we will do the rest!