So i had the car about a week and finally was able to get it on a lift today. on the pass side the inner cv axle boot split where the clamp is and the grease is making a mess, not to mention i can hear a clicking noise as its rotating.

on my ole silverado i had to replace the the whole axle, but is this the same for Mini's? i saw on way motor works that it looks like i can buy a boot, but is that really that good of an idea?

also, wheres the best place to get an axle for a good price? i noticed while under the car that it appears my oil pan gasket seems to be leaking, judging by all the oil wetting most if not all the way around the pan

 

With the clicking noise on rotation already, a new good brand axle (oem or better)
is probably the best route. If it was spinning smoothly and silently, then cleaning
and repacking that joint and re-booting would be worth trying.
The oil might be from your oil pan gasket, or (more likely), your crankshaft position
sensor 0-ring (or maybe both).

 

If it's making noise, it's probably needs replacing. The Drive Shaft Shop makes a good replacement axle set.

 

sweet thanks! i was reading a lil bit about the sensor being common, but judging what i saw, how the oil marking was on both the upper and lower portions of the sides and back of the oil pan gasket im going to assume thats what it is. but, ill worry about that another day after the axle gets done.

 

Just a quick question, is this something that needs to be replaced as a set? i noticed that the driveshaft shop only has a pair, as opposed to just selling one side or the other

 

I replaced one only to need to replace the other a few months later. I have had great success with a set I got from rocky mountain european. They have one and aftermarket stuff. Free overnight shipping over $60. They have the boots there too. I was weary as they are the made in China set. But 50k miles later. They still spin the tires.

 

No, just replace the bad one.

 

What year and model do you have , also transmission ? You can get the boot and grease kit, most are also by what transmission you have.

 

i have the 05 JCW edition with the 6 speed. i managed to replace the entire CV axle on the passenger side this weekend. came out alot easier then i thought it was going to! now originally i went with replacing just because i could hear a rotating clicking noise which i assurmed to be the cv axle joint since the boot was torn. i replace it, and the noise was very quite at the time and only when the steering wheel would go left off center. the next day, back to the normal level of noise before the replacement fo the axle. but still only when the steering wheel is turned left off center. any ideas? could it possibly be the wheel bearing instead? the faster the car goes the quicker the noise so i got to assume its either a bearing issue now or maybe something with the rotor?

 

although the brakes look and act fine

 

Axles are here: 2005 MCS Hardtop or JCW

http://www.ecstuning.com/Mini-2005-Cooper-R53-S-Coupe-L4_1.6L_W11B16A/Drivetrain/Axles/



Sounds like the wheel bearing : You will need the pre 7/2006.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...placement.html

 

Funny. Have a similar issue, with a non Mini car (I've replaced everything that can be besides brakes/rotors and calipers). Check wheel bearings. I'm assuming the noise is rotational? Is it directional or do you hear it when the wheels are straight as well as turned?

-Luccia

 

definitely a roational noise. it definitely doesnt make the sound when turning right at all...maybe a hint when straight but definitely makes it when steering left

 

That's the bearing, its will make lots of noise in one direction , then none/ to a little in the other direction. Put it up on the rack and spin the wheels by hand. You should hear the grumble on which side it is.

 

...but it's a clicking noise, right? If that's the case it's probably not your bearing...

 

Can you take a video and post what the noise is? Rotational makes me feel that it is bearing. Is it only when one side is under load or is it when you turn left and right? When the vehicle is off the ground, turn the wheels straight, and push on the wheel left & right to see if there is any play in the bearing.

This is what makes me think it might not be bearing related, but then again I have had a bearing make some very strange noises before.

 

So what was the problem?