31 90 ... Front Axle Troubleshooting

2013 Mini Cooper Countryman, Standard TransSECTION 31 90 ... Front Axle Troubleshooting
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2007 BMW 550i and 2006 BMW 550i. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Follow troubleshooting for steering/shock absorbers  . See TROUBLESHOOTING SHOCK ABSORBER  and TROUBLESHOOTING ON STEERING

FRONT AXLE TROUBLESHOOTING PROCEDURE

Fault Cause Remedy
Grinding noise (louder when negotiating bends) Wheel bearings faulty Replace WHEEL BEARINGS 
Vibration Wheel imbalance Balance WHEELS
Radial/lateral rim runout Check RIMS , replace if necessary
Radial tyre runout Match or replace tyres 
Steering-wheel shake Wheel imbalance Balance WHEELS
Radial/lateral rim runout Check RIMS , replace if necessary
Rubber mount of control arm faulty Replace CONTROL ARMS 
Ball joint in control arm worn Replace CONTROL ARMS 
Rubber mount of tension strut faulty Replace RUBBER MOUNTS ON BOTH TENSION STRUTS 
Ball joint on tension strut worn Replace both TENSION STRUTS 
Refer to TROUBLESHOOTING ON STEERING
Excessive steering wheel play/steering wheel inclination Rubber mount of control arm faulty Replace CONTROL ARMS 
Ball joint in control arm worn Replace CONTROL ARMS 
Rubber mount of tension strut faulty Replace RUBBER MOUNTS ON BOTH TENSION STRUTS 
Ball joint on tension strut worn Replace both TENSION STRUTS 
Refer to TROUBLESHOOTING ON STEERING
Rattling noise Bolts for reinforcement plate loose Tighten down bolts (refer to REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING REINFORCEMENT PLATE )
Bolts for front axle carrier to engine carrier loose Replace bolts (refer to LOWERING FRONT AXLE CARRIER )
Bolt for spring strut to swivel bearing loose Replace bolt & nut (refer to REMOVING AND INSTALLING FRONT SPRING STRUT )
Ball joint in control arm worn Replace CONTROL ARMS 
Ball joint on tension strut worn Replace both TENSION STRUTS 
Rubber mounts for stabilizer bar bracket faulty Replace both RUBBER MOUNTS OF STABILIZER BAR BRACKET 
Ball joints on stabilizer link(s) worn Replace both STABILIZER LINKS 
Excessive tyre wear Front or rear axle alignment incorrectly adjusted Check suspension components for damage; if necessary, carry out WHEEL/CHASSIS ALIGNMENT CHECK
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.