33 90 ... Rear Axle Troubleshooting

2013 Mini Cooper Countryman, Standard TransSECTION 33 90 ... Rear Axle Troubleshooting
WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 6 other vehicles, including the 2008 BMW 335xi, 2008 BMW 328xi, 2007 BMW 335xi, 2007 BMW 328xi, and 2006 BMW 330xi. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Observe troubleshooting for shock absorbers. See 33 90 ... TROUBLESHOOTING SHOCK ABSORBER 

REAR AXLE TROUBLESHOOTING TABLE

Fault Cause Remedy
Grinding noise (only when cornering) Refer to TROUBLESHOOTING  brake system
Wheel bearings faulty Replace wheel bearings. See 33 41 153 REPLACING WHEEL BEARING (75 MM) ON REAR AXLE SHAFT ON LEFT , 33 41 153 REPLACING WHEEL BEARING (85 MM) ON REAR AXLE SHAFT ON LEFT  and/or 33 41 155 REPLACING RIGHT WHEEL BEARING ON REAR AXLE SHAFT 
Vibration (90 - 160 km/h) Wheel imbalance Balance wheels. See 36 10 508 STATIONARY WHEEL BALANCING
Radial/lateral rim runout Check rims, replace if necessary. See 36 10 715 CHECKING RIM FOR FACE AND RADIAL RUNOUT
Radial tire runout Match or replace tires. See 36 10 209 CHECKING FRONT AND REAR WHEEL FOR FACE AND RADIAL RUNOUT
Imbalance in output shaft Replace output shaft. See 33 21 001 REMOVING AND INSTALLING OR REPLACING LEFT OUTPUT SHAFT  and/or 33 21 002 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING RIGHT OUTPUT SHAFT 
Drumming Rubber mount of final drive suspension faulty Replace rubber mount. See 33 17 004 REPLACING ALL FRONT RUBBER MOUNTS FOR REAR DIFFERENTIAL MOUNTING  and 33 17 005 REPLACING RUBBER MOUNT FOR REAR DIFFERENTIAL MOUNTING AT REAR 
Rubber mount of rear axle carrier faulty Replace rubber mount. See 33 33 101 REPLACING TWO RUBBER MOUNTS FOR REAR AXLE CARRIER (RUBBER MOUNTS, FRONT)  and 33 33 515 REPLACING TWO RUBBER MOUNTS FOR REAR AXLE CARRIER (RUBBER MOUNTS, REAR) 
Rattling noise Refer to TROUBLESHOOTING  for shock absorbers.
Stabilizer link loose or defective Check screw connection, replace stabilizer link if necessary. See 33 55 040 REPLACING STABILIZER LINKS FOR STABILIZER 
Rubber mount of rear axle carrier loose or faulty Check seat, replace rubber mount if necessary. See 33 33 101 REPLACING TWO RUBBER MOUNTS FOR REAR AXLE CARRIER (RUBBER MOUNTS, FRONT)  and 33 33 515 REPLACING TWO RUBBER MOUNTS FOR REAR AXLE CARRIER (RUBBER MOUNTS, REAR) 
Poor straight-running stability (steering wheel inclination) Rubber mount of rear axle carrier faulty Replace rubber mount. See 33 33 101 REPLACING TWO RUBBER MOUNTS FOR REAR AXLE CARRIER (RUBBER MOUNTS, FRONT)  and 33 33 515 REPLACING TWO RUBBER MOUNTS FOR REAR AXLE CARRIER (RUBBER MOUNTS, REAR) 
Rubber mount on traction strut faulty Replace traction strut. See 33 32 091 REPLACING A GUIDE ARM 
Rubber mount of control arm faulty Replace control arms. See 33 32 071 REPLACING ONE UPPER CONTROL ARM 
Rubber mount for trailing arm in rear axle carrier or wheel carrier faulty Replace rubber mount. See 33 32 031 REPLACING RUBBER MOUNT FOR TRAILING ARM IN WHEEL CARRIER  and/or 33 32 035 REPLACING A RUBBER MOUNT FOR TRAILING ARM IN REAR AXLE CARRIER 
Rubber mount of toe arm faulty Replace toe arm. See 33 32 180 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING LEFT OR RIGHT TOE ARM 
Rubber mount/ball joint for camber arm faulty Replace rubber mount/ball joint. See 33 32 195 REPLACING RUBBER MOUNT FOR CAMBER ARM IN REAR AXLE CARRIER 
Rear axle alignment incorrectly adjusted Carry out chassis/wheel alignment check, align rear axle if necessary. See 32 00 ... CHASSIS/WHEEL ALIGNMENT CHECK PROCEDURE
Unsteady taking of curves due to self-steering or poor rear end track stability Refer to "Poor straight-running stability"
Refer to TROUBLESHOOTING  for shock absorbers.
Excessive tire wear Rear axle alignment incorrectly adjusted Carry out chassis/wheel alignment check, align rear axle if necessary. See 32 00 ... CHASSIS/WHEEL ALIGNMENT CHECK PROCEDURE
RENDER: 1.0x

NO RELATED

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When to See a Mechanic

Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

  • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
  • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
  • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
  • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
  • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.