Hi everyone, my 2012 MINI Cooper failed it's MOT 3 weeks ago on 'Nearside Front Shock absorbers has a serious fluid leak'. This came up as an advisory a year ago so wasn't that surprised. Anyway, the mechanic changed the shock absorber and it passed the MOT. However, since I've had the car back it makes a really loud whirling/ humming sound when driving.

I'm not that knowledgeable about cars but based on my research the sound replicates that of a wheel bearing on the way out. The odd thing is this issue has only happened since the shock has been replaced. There was no noise before at all and now its really loud. The mileage is only 60k and I've barley used it since the MOT. I have since messaged the mechanic about it and he said he noticed the wheel bearing noise when he dropped the car off for me and to let him know if it gets any worse. I've told him there was no noise before so he's coming around in a few days to listen to it. Could this just be a coincidence that the noise has appeared from the same side the shock was replaced or is it possible there are other factors in play?

Any help appreciated.