Hi all. Currently working on replacing the inner CV boots on a 2005 MCS w/ 107k miles. I do not believe there is currently any issues with the front wheel bearings, but since I have both axles out, should I go ahead and change the hubs/bearings too? I'm not too keen on wheel hubs in general, but I did rotate the hubs w/ axles out and while there is no grinding sounds or freeplay, the hubs do not spin very freely. There is a bit of drag to them. Is this normal? I might go down to the local autoparts store and rotate a brand new one to compare, but figured I'd ask you folks first. Thanks.

 

Yes replace them and go OEM.

 

Wow so I'm looking at about $500 for some genuine Mini front hubs


Or is NSK/NTN the OEM manufacturer for Mini, cause they're allot cheaper.

 

Be 100% sure to Torque them right when you re-install them...
Folks have even destroyed Timkin hubs by making them too tight/loose......
Folks who run spacers or track cars seem to wear out bearing faster....since they are not SUPER hard to get too (about as hard as a brake change) I might run them till ONE fails..then do a pair....
I have heard SO MANY STORIES about folks swapping out CV joints/axles out with autoparts store units. only to have the cheap import parts fail on a regular predicable schedule.... lifetime warrenty or not....

 

That's a tough call on replacing the hubs. They all have a certain amount of drag. Do you live in a pothole area of the country or has the car been raced on a regular basis? 107 K is pretty low mileage if you answered no to the 2 questions. I would run what you have and revisit the topic at 200k

 

No this mini hasn't been raced or had a rough life for that matter. I think I'll postpone these expensive hubs until they're necessary. Thanks all.