2 replies to this topic

[robin356a]

Rover Cooper
1990

I've just removed the offset spherical joints from my mini and have noticed play in the differential pin. If I hold the end of the pin and move it up/down or left/right there is few millimetres of movement.

Is it?

a) Within tolerance, no need to worry, carry on rebuilding my front suspension.

b) The bearings need replacing but it's not too difficult and the engine doesn't need to come out.

c) I've been meaning to repaint the engine bay and block anyway so start stripping things down because that engine has to come out.

d) None of the above.

I've looked in my haynes manual but can't find any reference to play in the differential pin.


Thanks,

Robin

[Ethel]

I think you've got hold of the output shaft, don't worry about the play as it's supported inside the end of the pot joint when it's assembled. The diff pin is at 90 degrees to the bit you can see & carries the other pair of planet gears, if it was worn there'd be excess play when you counter-rotated the pot joints.

[robin356a]

I think you've got hold of the output shaft, don't worry about the play as it's supported inside the end of the pot joint when it's assembled. The diff pin is at 90 degrees to the bit you can see & carries the other pair of planet gears, if it was worn there'd be excess play when you counter-rotated the pot joints.

You're right, it is the output shaft I'm moving. I can see now how the pot joint supports it.

Thanks for your quick reply, I was afraid my winter project had suddenly got much bigger than I intended.