5 replies to this topic

[Ryanrjstorey]

Hey guys,

Changed the oil in my Austin Mini today and out came these pieces of metal.
(https://www.flickr.c...9925@N04/613q81)
Obviously very unusually and quite worrying so wondered if anyone had any ideas what it may be?

[alex-95]

Has the engine or gearbox been split and rebuilt? What year car is it? I can't think of anything that looks like them pieces from inside the engine or gearbox. I  think it's been dropped in and not noticed when being put back together.

[Quinlan minor]

Looks a bit like the cage from a ball bearing. I'd get a stethoscope or an engine ear/chassis ear on it, sharpish.

 

 

[KTS]

one piece looks to have had rivets at each end - doesn't look like anything that belongs inside a mini engine/gearbox

[Ell.s]

Looks like part of a bearing cage to me.

[Ethel]

Could be differential bearing cage if you're lucky (relatively).  Jack it up and look for backlash, wobble, etc between the inner driveshaft joints.

 

What's the age of the box? Most A+ cars had plastic cages on the 1st & 3rd motion bearings which'd only leave the diff. Though you can never be sure with a Mini that's changed hands. As could replace diff bearings without major dismantling if you're very lucky it's left over from one that's been replaced. so may be worth investigating before lifting the engine out.