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 2010 BMW 550i, 2009 BMW 550i, and 2008 BMW 550i. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Follow troubleshooting for steering/shock absorbers  . See 31 90... Troubleshooting shock absorber  or 32 90... TROUBLESHOOTING ON STEERING .

TROUBLESHOOTING CHART

Fault Cause Remedy
Grinding noise (louder when negotiating bends) Wheel bearings faulty Replace wheel bearings  
Vibration Wheel imbalance Balance wheels  . See 36 10 508 STATIONARY WHEEL BALANCING .
Radial/lateral rim runout Check rims  , replace if necessary
Radial tire runout Match or replace tires 
Steering-wheel shake Wheel imbalance Balance wheels  . See 36 10 508 STATIONARY WHEEL BALANCING .
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  for 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  for 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 Replac2e both stabilizer links  
Excessive tire wear Front or rear axle alignment incorrectly adjusted Check suspension components for damage; if necessary, carry out chassis/wheel alignment check  . See 32 00 150 KDS CHASSIS/WHEEL ALIGNMENT CHECK WITH LOAD UP TO DESIGN POSITION or 32 00 155 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.