It's time to replace my front axles (2003 with 129K miles) due to excessive play in both sides. I've been doing some research on the various options and am looking for recommendations. I'm not going to spend $500 dollars on genuine Mini remanufactured ones and there are a number of options available in the $75 to $150 range. ECS has FEQ and OPParts, Pelican has USA Industries, OPParts, and GKN Loebro, O'reillys has Masterpro and Import Direct Driveline, NAPA Has NAPA MaxDrive, and the list goes on. 1st question: new or remanufactured? Some say the remanufacturing process destroys the hard finish on the wear parts. others say it's just cleaned up and doesn't harm anything. Some say some of the new ones are poor quality Chinese made but no one gives specifics. So I'd like help in choosing a suitable replacements preferably with the passenger side already having the mount bracket and seal attached. Thanks for any guidance.

 

I can save you a bunch of time and frustration. Buy an original MINI axle. These cheapo aftermarket axles are nothing but problems. We have many customers that have tried them and have nothing but issues. Anything from axle just popping out of the trans, to exploding 2 weeks after install. I know they are cheap, but not worth the hassle of doing the job multiple times or being towed home as the tow bill will bet $100+.
We rebuild the original axles here in our shop as that is normally about $350 so it saves the customer over a new one and keeps it a reliable part.

 

Thanks for the useful inormation, Way. I looked at your website but couldn't find any info on front axles. Are yours, at $350, about the same as the remanufactured ones that Mini offers?

 

If you don't go the Genuine MINI axle route I do recommend going with the OEM supplier replacement, GKN here: http://www.pelicanparts.com/catalog/..._pg1.htm#item0. They also come with a 24 Months / 24,000 mile warranty for added insurance. I typically stay away from aftermarket axles as they have caused me more issues than anything. OEM, Genuine, or OEM rebuilds are the ones I recommend.