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Home >> Mini >> 2003 >> Cooper S >> Repair and Diagnosis >> Drivelines & Axles >> Axle Shafts >> Axle Shafts - Cooper (R50), Cooper S (R53) & Convertible (R52) >> Description & Operation >> System Components

System Components

The drive train for all 3 gearboxes consist of the same elements. A final drive, offset to the left of the center line of the vehicle by varying amounts. An intermediate shaft connects to the right side of final drive with a support bearing at its outer end. The support bearing is fixed by a bracket and bolts to the engine block, and incorporates the inner joint. This configuration, in effect, gives 2 drive shafts of equal length. The benefit of this is reduced drive shaft derived torque steer that can be a problem on front wheel drive cars with unequal length drive shafts. See Fig 1 and Fig 2 .

Fig 1: Identifying Support Bearing Assembly (1 Of 2)
G00301731Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Fig 2: Identifying Support Bearing Assembly (2 Of 2)
G00301732Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.