1st Gen R53 Cooper S Vibration Upon Acceleration- worn CV Housing??

Discussion in '1st Generation: 2002–06 R50, R53 & 2004–08 R52' started by SooperCoopers, Oct 16, 2015.

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  1. SooperCoopers

    SooperCoopers New Member

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    #1 SooperCoopers, Oct 16, 2015
    Hello!


    I am currently experiencing vibration upon acceleration in my 03 R53. It can be felt in the 20mph range and is much more intense when accelerating in the 50mph+ range.


    I went to take a look a my drivers side CV joint...and this is what I discovered. I noticed wear inside of the CV housing (looks like some of the grease escaped the boot over time.) I can physically feel a slight indentation where I (assume) the bearing was metal-on-metal with the housing at some point. Note that one of the signs of wear is slightly more brown than the rest...this is the deepest groove. I believe the color change is from high heat.

    Could this wear be the sign of my vibration when I accelerate? Has anyone seen this before? Regardless, I think I will replace this piece... I am guessing it just pops out from the transmission with a screwdriver?
    IMG_1071.jpg
     
  2. MCS02

    MCS02 Moderator
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    #2 MCS02, Oct 16, 2015
    Yes it could be the cause of the vibration. Even if it is not it needs to be replaced. you are correct it just pops out with a long screwdriver or pry bar. I would change the spider baring on the end of the axel and boot.
     
  3. Minidave

    Minidave Well-Known Member
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    #3 Minidave, Oct 16, 2015
    I agree that will most probably be the source of your vibration.....I think the only way you can buy that inner joint is to get a complete axle assy, is that the left or right side?

    If it's the right, be sure to buy the axle with the intermediate bearing too.
     
  4. SooperCoopers

    SooperCoopers New Member

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    #4 SooperCoopers, Oct 16, 2015
    Thanks for the replies. This is on th drivers side (left) without the intermediate bearing. I actually haven't even looked at the passenger side CV axle yet.

    I think the plan is to look for a replacement at a junk yard but if that doesn't work I think my next option will be a rebuilt cv online?
     
  5. BlimeyCabrio

    BlimeyCabrio Oscar Goldman of MINIs
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    #5 BlimeyCabrio, Oct 17, 2015
    Rebuilts are available pretty cheap now. I bought a pair for my manual conversion. You never know how long they'll last... but they're cheap (like $60-$100).

    Low mileage junkyard axle would also be a good choice.
     
  6. SooperCoopers

    SooperCoopers New Member

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    #6 SooperCoopers, Oct 18, 2015
    This fixed it!!!

    I replaced the CV Axle with a new one and there is no more vibration!


    Its amazing how just that little burr in the CV axle caused so much vibration.
     
  7. Minidave

    Minidave Well-Known Member
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    #7 Minidave, Oct 18, 2015
    with no lubrication it was binding on every revolution.

    Glad you got it fixed! :Thumbsup:
     

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