8 replies to this topic

[per2003]

Hello all,

I'm struggling to get the driveshaft out of my mini!!!
The hub and everything is removed and its just the driveshaft left but i cant get the inner end to come apart.
In the Haynes manual it mentions a special tool from Rover or to use a flat bar to hammer the flange of the joint inwards and release it from the end of the driveshaft?????? I have been trying to hammer it to separate it but to no avail!!!!!!
I am now thinking if it is possible to just cut open the inner rubber gaiter and rip it off and then maybe i can see whats going on with that end of the shaft???????

Any ideas would be much appreciated.

Paul

[Asphalt]

I've always used a long chisel or piece of steel tube and a big rubber mallet.

Proceed as follows: Hit -> turn 90° -> hit -> turn 90° -> and so on...

Mind you: there's a certain amount of oil running out of the gearbox, once the pot joint (that's waht it is called) comes out of the gearbox. So might want to drain the oil before or put something under the engine to catch the oil (if you haven't allready).

[Kernal H]

I had to pry mine out. Gearbox was upside down and off the engine, and even then it was hard. Just keep going.

[per2003]

Thanks for the advice guys, i'll give it another go this evening.

[Asphalt]

Do NOT lever against the gearbox/side covers! Chances are high you'r destroying the diff side covers!!!
Levering works only with the (expensive) original tool designed for that purpose!!

[Cooperman]

Undo the gaiter and pull the inner part of the joint out of the 'pot'. Make sure you clean the pot out before re-assembling.
Actually I use a ball-pin splitter tool, the wedge shaped one, to get the pots out from the gearbox and I've never broken a cover plate yet. Been doing it for years too.

[nomininolife]

I have had a pot joint that would not come out at all, I ended up scrapping the diff in the end.

Regards

David

[Pauly]

They can be stubben some times, just hit it with a mallet and turn it then hit again. Just a few short taps should free it. Ive always prised them off with no problem.

Paul.

[per2003]

Finally managed to get the driveshaft out!!!!!!!!!!!

But now another question!
I have the bearing out of the pot joint but it doesn't look healthy to me! the holes that the balls sit in in the bearing race are an oval shape, i would've thought that they should be round. like the balls.
Basically can someone tell me if this is ok or do i need a new pot joint???

Thanks

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