buzzing sound from front wheel

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MiniJimmy

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I never really paid attention so this is probably a normal sound. But today, as it was my wife driving the car, I noticed that there is a sound coming from the front wheel even when the car is not moving. This is in addition to the normal pedestrian warning hum. The best way I can describe the sound is that it is a buzz and grinding sound, a bit like a motor that needs to be oiled.. If I sit in the car and have the windows rolled up (which I usually do), I can't hear it. But I can hear it if the window on the driver side is rolled down. Has any of you noticed this? Thanks!
 
MiniJimmy said:
I never really paid attention so this is probably a normal sound. But today, as it was my wife driving the car, I noticed that there is a sound coming from the front wheel even when the car is not moving. This is in addition to the normal pedestrian warning hum. The best way I can describe the sound is that it is a buzz and grinding sound, a bit like a motor that needs to be oiled.. If I sit in the car and have the windows rolled up (which I usually do), I can't hear it. But I can hear it if the window on the driver side is rolled down. Has any of you noticed this? Thanks!
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I've never heard such a sound. Did you make sure it's not the HVAC fan? Does the sound happen only when the ambient temperature is high or does it persist at night when it's cooler? but I assume there's a fan to help the radiator that cools the battery, motor, and other electronics.

If the sound is present even when you're stopped, the diagnosis should be much easier. You won't have to strap yourself to the hood while someone else drives. If the sound goes away when you open the door and get out, have someone else drive your SE to where you are standing (remain standing until they come to a stop).
 
I did suspect it might be the HVAC fan so I parked the car in a cooler spot and the sound went away a short while later. So you are right, I think it's the fan sound when it was hotter earlier during the day. I have just never heard it before so got worried. Thanks for providing a possible answer!
 
The HVAC sound in my car is a high frequency hiss, similar to that from active speaker monitors. Sometimes the HVAC unit putters too when AC is on. I cannot say that I have ever heard grinding.
 
I wonder if it's the cooling for the battery pack? Here's a photo of the front of the battery pack (from Electric MINI Enthusiasts Facebook group) with the coolant ports circled. They must be hooked up to some sort of recirculating pump, and that could be the source of the sound.

197077396_2926996437560372_2618657158193213283_n.jpg


The orange plug in the center is the high voltage connector that leads to the motor.
 
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