rattling mini

[iansterling]

my daughter has a 1989 mini that develops a rattle that sounds like something stuck in a bike spoke, when it goes over 40mph. a couple of garages have had a look and aren't sure, so it looks like changing parts untill it stops. has anyone any ideas what it could be. its not wheel bearings and happens more under load. she lives over a 100 miles away but i should be seeing her later.

[AlBags]

Check the driveshaft CV joints
Make sure the oil level is ok .. as the engine oil does the transmission too (as you are aware, no doubt)

[derekpara]

Try and determine if it's an engine noise or a running noise.

Does the rattle occur when the engine is revved with the car stationary ? If so, it could be an engine bearing ( little end or big end ).

If not, then it could be transmission.

My guess is that if it occurs with the engine under load its an engine bearing.

Good luck.

D

[derekpara]

Just a thought. I had a similar noise on a car with a similar engine and it turned out to be a frayed/cracked fan belt. A lot less expensive than an engine bearing and easily checked visually.

[Andyvon]

I had a similar noise on a Mercedes many years ago. It turned out something (I can't rmember what) had come loose and was slightly catching the plastic cooling fan.