Hi all -

I recently replaced my driver side (left) CV axle and wheel bearing. The CV Axle was a new GKN, who I think manufacture the MINI axles. I didn't notice any significant differences between the MINI axle and the GKN.

Now - the wheel bearing - I have a 7/2006 manufacture date R53, which is apparently the month Mini switched to M14s, but I accidentally ordered the wheel bearing with the M12 wheel bolts (which I noticed at the point I was trying to mount the wheel after finishing everything else . After some discussion I picked up some M12 wheel bolts from the BMW dealer and bolted everything up.

Fast forward 150 miles later, after running over some speed bumps in a county park I start getting vibration and noise - uh oh - I bet the axle is pulling out. I park the car at a local garage (it's a Sunday...) They reseat the axle for me, I pick up the car. At this point I am thinking perhaps I did not have it fully seated.

I'm now another 200 miles in and did an oil change last night - I can see the axle is pulling out again.

My top engine mount needs to be replaced, I didn't see problems with the other mounts. Would a bad top mount cause this problem?

I'm sure the shop did not replace the circlip when they reseated the axle - does the clip need to be replaced every time the axle is removed?

This is definitely a head scratched and appreciate any suggestions.

 

I am assuming you are referring to the left drive shaft. The difference between M12 and M14 hubs has no difference In the axle.

I’ve had the drive shaft actually come out of the trans before. My family has 4 Gen-1s and do all of our own work.

when I now installed a left drive shaft, I take a rubber mallet and pound the drive shaft in until the clip seats. I also try to pull it out to make sure it’s seated. I pull kind of hard too because in all cases we have to pop the driveshaft out with a lever when we want to remove them.

I don’t think an engine out will cause the driveshaft to come out unless you have a huge amount of engine movement. I would look at all 3 engine mounts if you have that much engine movement.

 

The circlip is there for a reason.

 

I definitely pounded on it when I set it the first time - I really thought I had it seated but I'll admit I didn't confirm by prying on it. When I reseat it tonight I'll check it with the pry bar - if it pops out easily then perhaps I have a problem with the part.