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31 01 24_DIAGNOSING FRONT AXLE ISSUES

SIM 31 01 24
DIAGNOSING FRONT AXLE ISSUES

2024-05-24

This Service Information Bulletin (Revision #1) replaces SI M31 01 24 dated February 2024.
What’s New (Specific text highlighted):
New Model F66 Added

MODEL
F54 (Cooper
Clubman, Cooper S
Clubman)
F60 (Cooper, Cooper
S, JCW Countryman)

F55 (Cooper, Cooper
S 4-door Hardtop)

F56 (Cooper, Cooper
S 2-door Hardtop)

F57 (Cooper
Convertible, Cooper S
Convertible)

F66 (Cooper S 2-door
Hardtop)

SITUATION
During inspection and/or diagnosis there is noticeable dirt/grease buildup on the axles near the inner and/or
outer CV boots.

CAUSE
Surface contamination during component assembly.
Additionally, over time under normal operation of the vehicle, grease builds up on the axle shafts’ CV boots.

CORRECTION
Surface contamination and/or grease build-up is normal. Do not replace the CV boot (inner) or axle
half-shaft (outer).
Only replace a CV boot (inner) or axle half-shaft (outer) under the following circumstances:
There is a crack or tear in the CV boot
There is a clamp missing from the CV boot
The clamps can be easily moved/rotated (outside boot)
There is visible grease slinging onto the components around the CV joint rotation area

PROCEDURE
Inspecting the axle CV bootsCheck for all clamps (Two for each boot)
Check that the clamps are secure to the boot
Clean the boots with a shop rag; if the contamination is dried on, use silicone spray to remove the
contamination for a better inspection (do not use brake cleaner or solvents, which have an aggressive
effect on rubber)
Examine the boots for damage (cuts, tears, or punctures)

A. The following are examples of good axles/boots. Do not replace.

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Example of dirt/contamination from outside
influence (1).

Example of dirt/contamination from outside
influence (1).

Example of dirt/contamination from outside
influence (1).

Or:
B. The following are examples of torn and/or leaking CV boots that require the necessary
corresponding repair to be performed (CV boot/bellows repair kit installation or axle/output shaft
replacement)

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Tear in the boot (1).

Tear or cut in the boot (1).

Tear or cut in the boot (1).

The below example is a boot that is dispersing grease around the outer carrier (1).

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PARTS INFORMATION
When applicable, to determine the part number that applies to the specific vehicle being repaired, enter the
VIN/chassis number into either ETK or AIR, this will consider the specific equipment and/or options that are
fitted to the vehicle.

CLAIM INFORMATION
This Service Information Bulletin provides technical and diagnosis-related information.
Eligible and Covered Work/Repairs
An eligible repair to address a verified defect in materials and/or workmanship with the vehicle
component/assembly described in this Service Information Bulletin is covered under the terms of the MINI
New Passenger Limited Warranty.
Damaged CV boots/bellows and axle/output shafts (front and rear), or other issues caused by outside
influences, are not covered under the MINI limited warranties or program coverage that applies to the
vehicle.
To submit a claim, please following the established and applicable warranty policy and procedures
(Labor/Part/Sublet) that apply to the repair being performed.
Refer to AIR to obtain and assign the RO line item’s Repair Code. For the corresponding repair that was performed, obtain
the flat rate labor operation codes (*including the diagnosis that applies) and their corresponding flat rate unit (FRU)
allowances.

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Only one Main labor operation code can be claimed per repair visit.
Based on which one applies to your dealer, please refer to SI M01 01 20 or M01 04 20 for the applicable
procedure for documenting, claiming, and explaining, on the RO and in the claim comments, your diagnosis
work time (WT), job/repair work time (WT), and the vehicle repairs your dealer performed, unless otherwise
required by State law.
BMW Group’s AIR Application Resource for Flat Rate Labor Operation Codes
To obtain the corresponding flat rate unit (FRU) allowance information from the BMW Group AIR application
resource, start by entering the Chassis Number (the last seven (7) characters of the VIN, select the
applicable Model if two or more vehicle choices show), or enter the full VIN (17 characters), click on the
“Search” button. Next, click on the “Flat Rate Units” button and enter the flat rate labor operation code in the
field to the right, click “Search” to display the Flat Rate Unit Group detail choices.

FEEDBACK REGARDING THIS BULLETIN
Technical Feedback
Warranty Feedback
Parts Feedback

To submit feedback for the technical topic of this bulletin: Submit your
feedback in the rating box at the top of this bulletin
To submit feedback for the CLAIMS section of this bulletin: Submit an IDS
ticket to the Warranty Department, or use the chat available in the
Warranty Documentation Portal
To submit feedback for the PARTS section of this bulletin: Submit an IDS
ticket to the Parts Department

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