33 90... Rear axle troubleshooting

2013 Mini Cooper Countryman, Standard TransSECTION 33 90... Rear axle troubleshooting
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 BMW 535i, 2009 BMW 535i, and 2008 BMW 535i. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Observe TROUBLESHOOTING FOR SHOCK ABSORBERS .

TROUBLESHOOTING CHART

Fault Cause Remedy
Grinding noise (only when cornering) Refer to troubleshooting brake system
Wheel bearings faulty Replace WHEEL BEARINGS 
Vibration (90 - 160 km/h) Wheel imbalance Balance WHEELS
Radial/lateral rim runout Check rims, replace if necessary. See CHECKING RIM FOR FACE AND RADIAL RUNOUT , CHANGING A TIRE (ON FRONT, REAR OR SPARE WHEEL) , and REPLACING A RUNFLAT TIRE OR A UHP TIRE .
Radial tire runout Match or replace tires. See CHECKING FRONT AND REAR WHEEL FOR FACE AND RADIAL RUNOUT , CHECKING ONE ROAD WHEEL ON BALANCING MACHINE FOR FACE AND RADIAL RUNOUT (WHEEL REMOVED) , CHANGING A TIRE (ON FRONT, REAR OR SPARE WHEEL) , and REPLACING A RUNFLAT TIRE OR A UHP TIRE .
Imbalance in output shaft Replace output shaft. See REMOVING AND INSTALLING OR REPLACING LEFT OUTPUT SHAFT  and REMOVING AND INSTALLING / REPLACING RIGHT OUTPUT SHAFT .
Drumming Rubber mount of final drive suspension faulty Replace rubber mount. See REPLACING ALL FRONT RUBBER MOUNTS FOR REAR DIFFERENTIAL MOUNTING  and REPLACING RUBBER MOUNT FOR REAR DIFFERENTIAL MOUNTING AT REAR .
Rubber mount of rear axle carrier faulty Replace RUBBER MOUNT 
Rattling noise Refer to TROUBLESHOOTING FOR SHOCK ABSORBERS .
Stabilizer link loose or defective Check screw connection, replace STABILIZER LINK  if necessary
Rubber mount of rear axle carrier loose or faulty Check seat, replace RUBBER MOUNT  if necessary
Poor straight-running stability (steering wheel inclination) Rubber mount of rear axle carrier faulty Replace RUBBER MOUNT 
Rubber mount/ball joint of control or guide arm faulty Replace control or guide arm. See REPLACING ONE UPPER CONTROL ARM  and REPLACING A GUIDE ARM .
Ball joint in wheel carrier faulty Replace BALL JOINT 
Rubber mount of swinging arm faulty Replace SWINGING ARM 
Rear axle alignment incorrectly adjusted Carry out chassis/wheel alignment check, align rear axle if necessary. See KDS CHASSIS/WHEEL ALIGNMENT CHECK WITH LOAD UP TO DESIGN POSITION or KDS CHASSIS/WHEEL ALIGNMENT CHECK WITH RIDE-HEIGHT MEASUREMENT WITHOUT LOAD .
Unsteady taking of curves due to self-steering or poor rear end track stability Rubber mount of rear axle carrier faulty Replace RUBBER MOUNT 
Rubber mount of final drive suspension faulty Replace rubber mount. See REPLACING ALL FRONT RUBBER MOUNTS FOR REAR DIFFERENTIAL MOUNTING  and REPLACING RUBBER MOUNT FOR REAR DIFFERENTIAL MOUNTING AT REAR .
Refer to TROUBLESHOOTING FOR SHOCK ABSORBERS .
Excessive tire wear Front or rear axle alignment incorrectly adjusted Carry out chassis/wheel alignment check, align rear axle if necessary. See KDS CHASSIS/WHEEL ALIGNMENT CHECK WITH LOAD UP TO DESIGN POSITION or KDS CHASSIS/WHEEL ALIGNMENT CHECK WITH RIDE-HEIGHT MEASUREMENT WITHOUT LOAD .
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.