Left side axle pops out after replacing I replaced the half shafts on both sides. After doing this the left side half shaft pulled out about 20 miles in. I have put it back in but after I put it back in I gave it a light pull and it comes back out with very little effort. That does not seem right. It took a tremendous amount of effort to get the old shaft out. I am worried that if I just put this back together it is just going to pop out again. I saw this thread on this type of issue but I don't think it is the same issue. It seems to me that maybe the snap ring is not correctly engaging. Should it be that easy to pull the shaft back out immediately after putting it in? BTW this is an 04 R53 with the 6 speed. Edit: Corrected to say left side like it should.
Welcome, thanks for joining Motoring Alliance, the FUN and Friendly MINI Community. Is the replacement axle OEM or aftermarket?
If you did not OEM driveshaft's or a set from the Drive Shaft Shop I have heard of this problem with cheaper aftermarket rebuilds / refurbs.
Not only heard about, I heard it when someone at MINIs in the Mountains was right in front of me and his Rock Auto sourced axle popped out, broke and showered my MINI with ball bearings.
I mean left (drivers) side axle. Was so frustrated last night I typed in the wrong side. Yes, this is a Rock Auto unit. Guess I get to do a bit more research and spend more money on this.
Yeah that sounds like the problem. Try these, I have had a set for years with no issues and 2 my buddy also have them and we have had no problems on our very modded MINI's. The Driveshaft Shop | Mini 2001-2006 Cooper S Basic Axle Level 0 - Mini - Import Axles
Doesn't matter which side. We've seen time and time again that these Rock Auto axles are garbage. OEM or The Driveshaft Shop are the only ones to use. Check with M/A sponsors for OEM axle pricing.
DriveShaftShop says they have to assemble to parts. I'll call and see how long they say. Has anyone tried the OutMotoring ones? They are a site sponsor too
Driveshaft shop is very fast and they fit perfectly and they don't fail. I beat the crap out of my car.:devil:
I am all for OEM parts but in this case they are just going to fail again so why not upgrade to a better part that is cheaper and better made.
According to the write up on their website here they are not OEM. I drive the Mini mostly for better fuel mileage. It does not get driven aggressively, well maybe the occasional mild romp in the north Georgia mountains, but that is very rare since I would rather ride my motorcycle up there
DSS axle's ...Using a chromoly center bar, a real billet inner cv with a larger oversized tripod and a new heat treat on our 1117 billet outer. The outer cv is custom made with a single arc design; this is a time/wear advantage over the factory dual arc design that tends to wear out prematurely. This is a superior axle for any stock replacement or swap. These axles are designed as an alternative to cheap re-builts or inferior aftermarket axles on the market today ^^ This part made my decision very easy for me. Best of luck with your repair.
Hmmm...DriveShaft is saying at least a week to assemble. After rereading the information on the non oem shaft from OutMotoring, they are saying that they have higher failure with these than OEM so that is not good.
Ok and I was only saying they are good because I beat the crap out of my car meaning they will be should fine for yours.
Dave.O do you have the stage 0 or the 2.9 axles? i was emailing the person and it seems that 400 for a set is really cheap.
I have the zero level (basic) along with 2 of my friends and none of us have had any issues. They are very well made with quality parts in the USA.
You've got to hand it to Aaron...he tells you right up front that it's a cheap part that won't last. You've got to respect honesty!
I've had mine in for about 6k miles, or so, now. No issues. The only PITA is that you have scavenge the passenger side, bearing support casting, from the factory shaft.