2 replies to this topic

[Spannerhead]

Just taken the new mpi out for it's first spin after getting it last week. Notice a couple of things I wanted to check out:

1. Gearbox - seems very crunchy changing into second, either got to have the revs matching well, or double d clutch or it crunches. Is this normal or this a problem, syncro's??

2. Steering - when accelerating or decelerating the steering wheel moves forward a bit (not side to side like torque steer). Again, is this normal for a mini or is it a worn part - bushes or something?

Gopnna have the engine out soon to do clutch and Stage 3 kit and a good engine bay clean-up, so if these are things that can be sorted at the same time then I'll do them.

Cheers

[orcadian]

Hi,
Unfortunately the crunchy second gear would normally be associated with a worn synchro ring on that gear (not terribly expensive, but a lot of careful work to sort out), but you mention wanting to do some clutch work - is that because it's slipping or dragging? If it's dragging, then that won't help with the crunch - if it's slipping, the crunch won't improve with a new one. If the unit is coming out, then the best time to sort the box would be then - no point in doing it twice. The later MPI's did have suspect boxes (plus a lot of other poor stuff)
One the subject of steering - the wheel shouldn't move in any direction (except round) so that needs urgent attention. The bushes at the top or bottom of the column could be worn and the rack could be loose in the U bolts. The pinch bolt at the bottom of the column where it clamps around the pinion(on the floor inside the car) could be loose - all of these places need checking sooner rather than later.

Just a silly thought - the seat isn't moving under acceleration and braking is it, giving the impression of a steering wheel fault?

Edited by orcadian, 27 December 2009 - 04:14 PM.

[Spannerhead]

Thanks mate, that's all really useful, and yes, definitely steering column