13 replies to this topic

[Pooky]

The bracket where the gearbox steady bar mounts on the front of the subframe has broken or been cut off



Any ideas of the best way of fixing it or shall i just get another subframe? Is it even necessary if i use other steadies?

Cheers

[pikey7]

ouch!

Apparently some early Minis didn't have them, so although it may not be "necessary", if it was added as an upgrade later, then there must be some improvement or they wouldn't have done it.

However, as you say, is it necessary if you have others fiited? I'd say probably not if you have an extra one fitted on the same side to the rear of the subframe.

If you want to fix it, i'd clear all the old metal and weld off carefully with a grinder (carefully as not to cut into the subframe section), and weld in a complete new piece.

[Pooky]

I'd say probably not if you have an extra one fitted on the same side to the rear of the subframe.

What would be the best way of doing this?

[pikey7]

buying one!

The usual suspects do them. (may I suggest not to try Minisport though. I got one from them.... after 4 months.....)

[Pooky]

Oh right! Didn't know it was an actual part, though i was gonna have to make something from yoghurt pots and string! Ok i reckon i'll do that then

cheers pikey!

[pikey7]

remember that's a RH one you need. LH/RH always confuses people! (inc. me! )

[Jammy]

I don't think he means the actual steady bar, but the bracket that it connects to thats welded onto the subframe....

[pikey7]

err, yeah I may have read that wrong. The replacement for the original you'll have to make (a new bracket that is). The alternative one that goes to the rear of the subby you can buy. (that's a new bracket to the gearbox, a new steady and some bolts & bushes as a kit)

[Pooky]

What's this?

Minispeed steady

or

Moss steady

[pikey7]

thats an extra upper bar. hang on i'll get a link for you....


HERE you go!

[Pooky]

That's great! Thanks pikey!

I'll add an ultimate top steady as well just to make sure

While we're on the subject are there only 3 steady's as standard?

This front o/s gearbox one, main engine one and the one that goes all the way back to the gear lever housing? None on the nearside?

[ed4ran]

and the one that goes all the way back to the gear lever housing?

Thats not an engine steady it just keeps the gear lever housing at a fixed distance from the engine so that you can change gear (if its not connected the lever housing moves back and forth when you move the stick back and forth)

[Pooky]

So there's only two standard steadies?! no wonder people add more!

[pikey7]

As I said, I think on early cars there was only one!

Either way, in theory it's not a problem as they are only to prevent "rocking" on the proper engine mounts. However, unless the condition of the engine/subframe/bushes/engine mounts/body etc is 100% (which I seriously doubt, even on a "proper" rebuild), then the more the merrier - as far as stiffness is concerned. This does however have side effects of more vibrations being transferred to the driver, and also those vibrations leading to other problems! I guess two was the best compromise for weight/cost/vibrations/stiffness that the factory came up with..... (although cost was probably the largest factor for only fitting one "extra")