2011 Cooper S R56 manual transmission. changed both front bearing/hubs and CV boot on driver side axle. Now it won't move. The car starts, no change in shifter feel, the clutch pedal feels the same as before, but when I put it in any gear and release the clutch that car does not move. Also it does not stall. So it's not engaging. Any idea what could bee the cause?

Few things that come to mind;
1. When I pulled the axle out I lost about half a quart of fluid. And I have not had a chance to refill. Would a low fluid level cause not to engage.
2. I had hell of a time getting the wheel hub off. Midwest winters had it fused pretty good. So I used a puller to get it off. The torque bolt applies pressure on the end of the axle to pull the wheel hub via attached jaws. Used an impact to reduce spin. I am wondering is the impact vibrations on axle knocked something in the tranny?

Any help would be appreciated! Tnx in advance

 

Only cause that would make sense to me... the axel didn’t get seated fully into the differential, so all engine power is going to just spinning the diff

 

Try this thread:

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...all-gears.html

 

Thank you both, it seems to point to axle fit. I will have to re examine the seat and the CV ring. I felt it and heard it pop in, but it could have shifted while I was messing with the aligning axle with the hub opening.

 

Just wanted to provide an update as it might help someone else. When I was pulling the axle out I must have bent it too much and pulled the outer CV Joint which caused bearings to get dislodged in the CV Joint. The Bentley manual is specific not to flex the joint past 45 degrees. It also states that the outer CV joint is pressed on to the drive axle and not serviceable. I ordered a new axle from ECS Tuning but they are backordered until the 24th and I wont receive it will at least 28th. So I figured what the hell let's open it up and see what is going on in there.

It looks just like any other CV Joint, cage, inner race and ball bearings. I pulled it out cleaned it really good, there was no damage or signs of wear that could cause slippage. So decided to pack it back up and install. aligned it and pressed it until there was no more give then used a punch on the axle dimple and gave it a few more hits. Put it back and then torqued the axle not to 134ft/lbs. Started the car, and went into reverse and the car was driving. However, as soon as I made a turn the joint must have slipped again and I lost power to the wheels. So anyone know why the outer CV Joint is non serviceable?

It was the end of the day and I had to push the car back into garage at as slight incline so I didn't open it back up. Just guessing here but I assume the circlip is not replaceable once the joint is off the half shaft hence unable to lock it in place. I wonder how they pressed on at the factory?

Bentley Publishers Manual 310-24