Engine Drivetrain 1st Gen Cooper S New axles....?

Discussion in 'Tuning and Performance' started by ScottinBend, Oct 23, 2017.

  1. ScottinBend

    ScottinBend Space Cowboy
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    May 4, 2009
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    Found a small split in an inner boot this weekend. As I don't have the time or patience to attempt a repair or replacement myself........new axles or boot repair?
    Really don't see me paying $500 for an axle or the shop time to repair, so what aftermarket axles are suggested?

    Thanks
     
  2. MCS02

    MCS02 Moderator
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    Lazy! I say have a couple of adult beverages and go out there put on some good music and fix the boot yourself.:D
     
  3. MCS02

    MCS02 Moderator
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    No need to thank me for the help.
     
  4. fishmonger

    fishmonger Well-Known Member

    May 13, 2015
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    I bought A-1 Cardone remanufactured OEM axles from Rockauto to replace the whole setup on my dark gray car. Looked new, work like new. 2000 miles on them now and no complaints. I had to transfer the carrier bushing from the original passenger axle, but no big deal.

    $62 each plus core charge $40 and shipping.
     
  5. Dave.0

    Dave.0 Helix & RMW Powered
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    Don’t buy rebuilt crap parts they never last and pop out or fail.

    JAN sells axles that are stronger and better made then the OEM ones and better then the crappy DSS “drive shaft shop†ones.

    How do I know, I had the OEM and DSS ones and they both fail in the CV joint area just like crappy rebuilds on the market.

    The RMW ones are better made and are very strong and cost less then new OEM axles. They are $750.00 for both sides (a pair) not just one.

    Give JAN a call to order. tel:(949) 464- 7691
     
  6. fishmonger

    fishmonger Well-Known Member

    May 13, 2015
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    and what exactly is the magic dust they put on these axles at RMW to make them so much better and worth 7x the price?
     
  7. ScottinBend

    ScottinBend Space Cowboy
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    Was really hoping not to have spend that kind of money, but may have to bite the bullet. Will check with my shop on rebuilding them for a comparison.
    Thanks
     
  8. Dave.0

    Dave.0 Helix & RMW Powered
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    7x’s the cost of what? Crappy rebuilds.....

    They are cheaper then a pair of OEM axles.

    The RMW ones are custom made 1 piece CV joints unlike the OEM or rebuilds and are good for over 500 whp and are an exact fit.

    Quality matters and that’s why the OEM’s Fail and the rebuilds don’t last and fail more often.

    Yes, people have MINI’s with over 500 whp.
     
  9. fishmonger

    fishmonger Well-Known Member

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    well, I let those people buy those axles. I'd be surprised if I have 130 wheel horsepower.
     
  10. BlwnAway

    BlwnAway Well-Known Member

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    A simple and fairly inexpensive boot replacement should be all you need, anything else would be complete overkill for what you have and this issue.
     
  11. N2MINI

    N2MINI MINI of the Month

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    As long as you get the boot replaced before you throw out all the grease in there. Then you'll hear a clicking sound after backing up and then going forward especially when the wheel is turned just then... That sound is metal on metal and much of that and your replacing the axle...
     
  12. GokartPilot

    GokartPilot Well-Known Member

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    Which side is split, drivers or passenger? Drivers is the easier of the two to replace. Just went through this. Did a lot of reading before I made a decision. Replacing with OEM CV was $600 a side, cheap aftermarkets about $70. I did not really read anything good about the cheaper aftermarket CVs. Although I did find one shop that had good things to say about the after markets they sold and they were about $300 each. I wish I had know Jan sold them, I might have been a little more likely to replace the whole CV.
    OEM boot is about $60 and few hours of your time. I read that as long as the boot was not compromised with sand/crud you should be fine with a boot replacement. This is the direction I went, just make sure you get the OEM boot. I tried aftermarket and :mad2: :mad2: because they did not fit. Once I got the OEM boots they just popped on without a problem. No leaks so far. :Thumbsup:
     
  13. ScottinBend

    ScottinBend Space Cowboy
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    Replacing the boots would be the optimum way to go.....but as I don't have the time or tools to properly do it it would have to be done by my shop. And at their rates it might be cheaper just to replace the axles. :)
     

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