Campaign - Inspect Front Axle Ball Joints
SI M31 01 12Front Axle
May 2012
Technical Service
PERFORM THE PROCEDURE OUTLINED IN THIS SERVICE INFORMATION ON ALL AFFECTED VEHICLES BEFORE CUSTOMER DELIVERY OR THE NEXT TIME THEY ARE IN THE SHOP FOR MAINTENANCE OR REPAIRS.
SUBJECT
Service Action: Inspect Front Axle Ball Joints
MODEL
R60 (Cooper Countryman and Cooper S Countryman)
SITUATION
During the assembly process, one or both of the front axle control arms may have been installed in such a way that the inner ball joint rubber boots are improperly positioned. Over time with continued vehicle operation, a rubber boot which is improperly positioned can wear prematurely. If this were to occur, the joint may leak, and the result would be a clicking noise from the joint.
AFFECTED VEHICLES
This Service Action involves Countryman models which were produced during November 2011.
In order to determine whether a specific vehicle has had this Service Action completed or is affected by this Service Action, first check the B-pillar label for code number 51. If code number 51 has been punched out, the campaign has already been performed. If code number 51 has not been punched out, it will be necessary to utilize the "Service Menu" of DCSnet (Dealer Communication System) or the Key Reader. Based on the response of the system, either proceed with the corrective action or take no further action.
PROCEDURE
With the vehicle properly supported on a lift, inspect the front axle control arms.
The inner ball joint rubber boots must be inspected.
Note:
It is NOT necessary to remove the control arms to perform this procedure.
The inner ball joint rubber boot must be positioned as shown.
If the rubber boot for the ball joint is distorted:
^ Remove the securing nut.
^ Reposition the rubber boot.
^ Replace the securing nut.
^ Tighten the nut to specifications (refer to Tightening Torque AZD 31 12).
PARTS INFORMATION
Note:
Not all vehicles will require the replacement of the locking nuts. A maximum of 2 locking nuts can be claimed based on the procedure listed above.
LABEL INSTRUCTIONS
This Service Action has been assigned code number 51. After the vehicle has been checked and/or corrected, obtain a label (MD20-040) and:
A. Emboss your MINI dealer warranty number in the middle of the label (1);
B. Punch out code number 51 (2), printed on the label; and
C. Affix the label to the B-pillar as shown.
If the vehicle already has a label from a previous Service Action/Recall Campaign, affix the new label next to the old one. Do not affix one label on top of another one because a number from an underlying label could appear in the punched-out hole of the new label.
WARRANTY INFORMATION