R53 -- I'm reinstalling the axles after a clutch replacement. The drivers side axle went in perfectly. The passenger side axle appears to have the carrier bearing shifted slightly toward the trans (first photo, about 1/4 inch). That is shortening the shaft and it is not fully seating in the trans (note second pic). When fully seated the carrier bearing housing is misaligned to its bolt holes. This is the second time I've changed the clutch and I didn't notice this movement the first time. I find it hard to believe that this shift has happened organically since the bearing is pressed on. I'm running ~220hp and never had a problem with this alignment. I did attempt to move the bearing/housing with a deadblow hammer but of course it's not budging. I'm not unbelievably concerned with it since it's given me no issues in the past but my OCD is kicking in. It seems to me that this would also cause a 1/4 inch lengthening of the axle shaft (since it's not fully seated in the trans and that the passenger side wheel would then be kicked out to the right by the same length). I have the subframe out so removing it again is simple but I'll need to take the axle somewhere to have it hydraulically pressed into position. Has anyone else run into this problem? Is the obvious solution (re-press) the only one? Thanks.

 

Hi I was so concerned about not doing mine correctly because people showed there were 2 parts and many were getting the wrong ones.
I sent to an independent Mini specialist.
This NAM user Had a 3/4” difference in shaft lengths

 

I decided to toss the original axle rather than pay to have the bearing moved via an hydraulic press. Instead I ordered a Cardone rebuilt axle from Rock Auto and it fits perfectly. It did not come with the carrier bearing housing but it's relatively easy to remove from the original and reinstall it on the new axle (by mildly smacking it with a ballpeen hammer). I also replaced the driver's side axle with a Cardone reman unit years ago and it's been just fine. Passenger-side axle was only $111.00 shipped which was less than it would have cost me to fix the misaligned bearing. Bonus: the reman axle came with all new boots, clamps, grease, etc.

 

I’m new to the mini community and had to start working on my R53 as the are no shops that’ll touch it.


192.168.100.1 192.168.1.1

 

​​​​​Not intended to divert from the topic...
Welcome to the wonderful world of keeping your Mini alive.
It has been rather common to have mechanics (even indie BMW/MINI) refuse to work on the 1st Gen models in the last 10 years. I had one BMW/MINI shop fail at sourcing and replacing a shifter cable. When I went to pick up the car, the mechanic replied "That's why I hate these cars". ...

Get yourself the "bible" (Bentley), a good set of tools and keep visiting the forum...and yeah, don't forget to watch the Mod Mini videos!

Welcome!

 

Yep and look at Realoem for part number and pop them into our site to see what the part is and cost.

https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/select Take the last 7 of the vin and pop it into the serial number box to see your MINI.

Some info here but limited: https://workshop-manuals.com/mini/

 

Just replaced the front wheel hubs and axles on my R53 JCW this weekend! Fun job haha, glad you got it done.

Dropping the subframe and replacing leaking power steering and oil cooler lines is next on my list. But hey, 18 y/o cars need maintenance!