Moss Motors, Ltd

I am currently off work at the moment following surgery,so have time to obssess about the niggles on my mini !

 anyway,Since having the front pads changes on my mini,I have noticed a wobble that comes from the front of the car that can be felt through the steering wheel.The car doesnt wobble at idle or when stationary,only when on the move and increases in severity as the car sppeds up.

My mechanic has told me that it is because the ball joints are worn at the front,but the vibration wasnt there prior to the brake pad change.

 Could it be caused by a warped brake disc or bent Tie rod as well ? or will changing the ball joints solve the problem ?

Your help is appreciated.

The wobble is possibly caused by a warped disc! the best way to check is to remove the wheel (Always use axle stands!) and give the disc a spin. You are looking to see if the edge of the disc moves in and out as it turns! If you fix a ruler to the steering arm leaving about 1mm from the disc the 1mm should stay the same as you turn the disc! if it moves in and out at all replace the disc!

The ball joints should also be checked on a regular basis and again if their is any play or worn parts replace them as soon as poss! to check the ball joints or swival pins as some folks call them, jack up the car and grab the tyre top and bottom or 12.30 then give it a wiggle back and forth... if you can feel any play it's probably a ball joint but could also be a wheel bearing! to check the wheel bearing grab the tyre on each side 9.15 and again give it a good wiggle. Movement here as well as up and down would indicate a wheel bearing and possibly a ball joint as well!

I hope that helps

Oz