7 replies to this topic

[minibarnerz]

I'm changing the gearbox on my mini this weekend and have a choice of two identical gear box's is there what checks should I be doing to them to make sure they are ok?! Currently I'm deciding to go for the cleaner one... :/ figure it's cleaner probably means more oil changes, more well looked after!! Probably not the best way of going about it tho!! Any tips??

[tom1234177]

Post some pictures up if you can, sure someone will be able to advise better going off them, where were the gearboxes from? do you know if they were both fine when last in use?

[minibarnerz]

Both used but in gwo... One off eBay and one from a car boot! Did the "normal" checks turned the gears over no teeth missing/chipped no obvious noises clicking/grinding. Put a little screwdriver in the selector n pulled it in and out which moves as it should no obvious play or owt... So unfortunately don't know history or milage of the units! Got a picture of one... The dirtier one! But my camera is pretty poo!




Not sure if u can see anything from those pictures!!

[minimissionary]

Any advice on this? I'm facing the same problem myself.

Edited by minimissionary, 01 June 2012 - 06:45 PM.

[Jordie]

count the teeth on the crown wheel n pinion. u might be fitting a gearbox not suitable to your driving styl etc.

[The Principal]

play close attention to the cast webbings, any signs of cracks and there not long for the world. May need to clean of some of the oil for a closer look

look at the brass selector forks at the bottom they run either side of the hubs, high mileage unit will have a lot of wear they should run fairly close

assuming you haven't touched output shafts look for leaks in the cover gaskets, any signs change the gaskets whilst the box is off or you have oil on ya drive

how much metal fillings are there on the drain plug - check the drain plug threads boxes with a checkered past may have stripped the threads with all kinds of bodges

how noisey is the diff?

how much goo in the sump could give you an idea if the oil has been changed frequently

this thread may be of some help if your gonna dive deeper - http://www.theminifo...box build&st=15

[bmcecosse]

Inspect the little dog teeth on second gear - that's where the greatest wear takes place. Compare with the dog teeth on 4th gear which pretty much 'never' wears.

[minimissionary]

Thanks for the help. It's a bit daunting to look at.
That's an excellent thread The Principal. The Mac'll be getting oil stains on it for a while, I think...