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HOMESERVICE MANUALSMINI2013COOPER COUNTRYMAN, STANDARD TRANSREPAIR AND DIAGNOSISEXTERNAL PAGESDIFFERENT CARSECTION 2504 (FRONT AXLE - REPAIR)TROUBLESHOOTING31 90... FRONT AXLE TROUBLESHOOTING
2013 Mini Cooper Countryman, Standard Trans

31 90... Front axle troubleshooting

2013 Mini Cooper Countryman, Standard TransSECTION 31 90... Front axle troubleshooting
WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 7 other vehicles, including the 2014 BMW X6, 2013 BMW X6, 2012 BMW X6, 2011 BMW X6, and 2010 BMW X6. 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  and 32 90... TROUBLESHOOTING ON STEERING

TROUBLESHOOTING CHART

In event of edged road irregularity 
*On vehicles with ARS work through TROUBLESHOOTING FOR ARS FIRST		 Cause  (observe sequence) Check  (if OK, then next cause) Measure  (during preliminary check only)
Rattling/banging 
NOTE: From 10 km/h and at approx. 20 mm height
 1. Stabilizer link loose 1. Check screw connection (see INSPECTION SHEET ) Tighten screw connections as specified in REPAIR INSTRUCTION 
2. Stabilizer link faulty
  1. Visually inspect for damage (see INSPECTION SHEET )
  2. Check play (see INSPECTION SHEET )
 If necessary, replace STABILIZER LINK 
3. Tension strut loose
  1. Check screw connection (see INSPECTION SHEET )
 Tighten screw connections as specified in REPAIR INSTRUCTION 
4. Tension strut faulty
  1. Visually inspect for damage (see INSPECTION SHEET )
  2. Check play (see INSPECTION SHEET )
 If necessary, replace TENSION STRUT 
5. Lower control arm loose
  1. Check screw connection (see INSPECTION SHEET )
 Tighten screw connections as specified in REPAIR INSTRUCTION 
6. Lower control arm ball joint faulty
  1. Visually inspect for damage (see INSPECTION SHEET )
  2. Check play (see INSPECTION SHEET )
 If necessary, replace lower CONTROL ARM 
7. Upper control arm loose
  1. Check screw connection (see INSPECTION SHEET )
 Tighten screw connection as specified. See 31 12 002 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING TOP LEFT CONTROL ARM  and 31 12 003 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING TOP RIGHT CONTROL ARM .
8. Upper control arm faulty
  1. Visually inspect for damage (see INSPECTION SHEET )
  2. Check play (see INSPECTION SHEET )
 If necessary, replace upper control arm. See 31 12 002 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING TOP LEFT CONTROL ARM  and 31 12 003 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING TOP RIGHT CONTROL ARM .
-> If noise can still be heard, check other cause
In event of road irregularities and steering maneuvers Cause  (observe sequence) Check  (if OK, then next cause) Measure  (during preliminary check only)
Cracking/clicking 
  1. Front axle carrier loose
  1. Check screw connection (see INSPECTION SHEET )
 Tighten screw connection as specified in REPAIR INSTRUCTION 
2. Front axle carrier/front axle truck twisted  
  1. Position vehicle over pit/on wheel alignment platform
  2. Slacken screw connection of front axle carrier
  3. Tighten screw connection as specified in REPAIR INSTRUCTION 
-> If noises can still be heard, check other causes
TROUBLESHOOTING CHART

In event of straightahead driving and cornering Cause  (observe sequence) Check  (if OK, then next cause) Measure  (during preliminary check only)
Grinding noise  Wheel bearing worn, dirty   Replace faulty WHEEL BEARING 
-> If noise can still be heard, check other causes
TROUBLESHOOTING CHART

In event of repeated impulse braking or road irregularities Cause  (observe sequence) Check  (if OK, then next cause) Measure  (during preliminary check only)
Muffled bang 
  1. Tension strut hydromount faulty (no mount fluid)
 Check whether hydromount is leaking, for presence of cracks or rubber break-outs If necessary, replace TENSION STRUT 
-> If noise can still be heard, check other causes
TROUBLESHOOTING CHART

  Cause  (observe sequence) Check  (if OK, then next cause) Measure  (during preliminary check only)
No conspicuous noise 
  1. Upper control arm rubber mount faulty
 Check rubber mounts for cracks and rubber breakouts If necessary, replace upper control arm. See 31 12 002 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING TOP LEFT CONTROL ARM  and 31 12 003 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING TOP RIGHT CONTROL ARM .
2. Lower control arm rubber mount (on spring strut bracket) faulty Check rubber mounts for cracks and rubber break-outs If necessary, replace lower CONTROL ARM 
Steering wheel inclination/steering backlash  Refer to BMW diagnosis system "Troubleshooting tree wheel/chassis alignment check"
-> If noise can still be heard, check other causes
NOTE: The tension strut rubber mount has an overload stop, which can cause knocking noises at high loads.
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.