3 replies to this topic

[1275midget]

Hi all

got two mates with a mini each, a blue one and a green one - both 1994 sprites

green mini has massive steering play at the bottom of the column - the pinch bolt is done up nice and tight and the play seems to be between the bit that the pinch bolt pinches too (if that makes sense) and the rest of the steering system - can get about 1/4 to an half of a turn on the wheel before the rack moves the bottom of the column where the pinch bolt is also moves side to side while the column turns. Is that a nacked rack? looks like an upsettingly large job if it is

blue mini has lotsa rusty holes (anyone recommend a welder/ mini restorer in York/Yorkshire?) and also has a clutch that's stuck off - the nut that's on the end of the clutch cover is up against the cover, on the green mini there's a gap when the clutch is not pressed. blue mini also pushes around in gear, so I guess the clutch is stuck off - so is that a engine out and takey apart job or is it (hopefully) a simpler thing? what would make it stick off - can't quite get me head round how the verto clutch actually works...

many thanks for help

R

[998dave]

Steering, you need to undo and lower the rear of the subframe to get the rack out, but not a huge job.
Has it had a column drop bracket fitted at some point, can wear the splines if not done correctly!

Clutch, you can take apart in the car, but try adjusting it first, instructions in Haynes.
To remove in the car, remove that end engine mount, and the steadies, undo the 'wok' retaining screws, and jack that end of the engine up with the car on the ground. You can get a flywheel puller in, and do the whole job in the car.

Dave

[Cooperman]

It's very unusual for a rack to fail in this way. Check the rack U-bolt nuts first. They are under the carpet in the front bulkhead and have been known to come loose. It's a 5-minute job to check.
The clutch plunger has probably corroded itself into a stuck position. Pour releasing fluid into the operating arm hole and around the overthrow nuts. Leave it for a while and then try to prise the plunger out. Add more releasing fluid and try again. If it won't free off, undo the engine mounting from the sub-frame under the clutch over, remove the radiator bracket, jack the engine up about 1.5" on the clutch end and remove the clutch cover by undoing the 8 off 5/16" UNC bolts and lifting it out. You can then access the plunger which should be cleaned and re-greased with copper grease. After re-assembly you'll need to re-set the overthrow nuts, which you must free off whilst the cover is off.

[1275midget]

thanks chaps - helpful as always!

will pass that info on

Cheers!