36 replies to this topic

[Hunter2]

Unhappily I confirm the failure of both idler gear bearings within 1,500 miles after install...taking out the transmission case, the drop gear housing, destroying the idler gear and, after related stresses, sending the primary gear & input to the bin as well.

 

Bearings stamped KOR on the end of the drawn cup...not 1 needle left in either cup and only 3 bits looking like needles showing up in the case & housing.

 

 

 

The failure occurred on the Alaska Hwy. in Yukon.  I put the Mini on the sweep trailer.

 

Fortunately, the crank survived - cleaned, straight & polished up std/std.  Block bores good but all main & rod bearings damaged by fine aluminum particles.  Transmission & diff will need all new bearings, new central oil pickup, new oil pump etc.

 

A few Pounds/Dollars (not lower priced items by the way) on crap bearings results in a very big rebuild cost.

 

Wish I had seen this information before buying the bits.

 

New Parts:

 

Have ordered INA needle roller bearings for the NEW idler gear, made by the big Schaeffler group in Germany.  Its SCH 1212 INA bearing is a direct replacement for the Torrington JH 1212.

[Spider]

Thread revival !

I am pleased to advise that I have been reliably informed that Mini Spares no long stock KOR Bearings.

IKO, Torrington, Koyo and BW Bearings are now what they have in the Needle Roller range.

They have always had RHP Roller Bearings, which I personally have not had any issues with.

Well done !

 

 

[lsto]

I know this is an old thread but it's time for a moan. Just spent the morning re-shimming my swivel joints, 3rd time I have had to do it in 18 months, but I would expect them to last more then 10k miles I've done without any real maintenance other then regular greasing. While I was there I noticed the steering rack gaiters are beginning to crack and perish, again 18 months old. All from a reputable mini specialist.
Then to top it off bought 2 refurbished radius arms from another reputable seller, I checked the OS arm, pin spins nice, check NS, pin is tight. Slide out pin and the needle bearing casing is damaged and the rollers adrift...
Ordered a new bearing and steel tube whilst I was at it as well as new gaiters and a new swivel joint kit that will hopefully last longer than a year. My car is a daily so I need it to be reliable but so much of the bits we get supplied are just junk.

[68+86auto]

Just spent the morning re-shimming my swivel joints, 3rd time I have had to do it in 18 months

 

It is not possible to re shim worn ball joints.

[Steam]

Just spent the morning re-shimming my swivel joints, 3rd time I have had to do it in 18 months

It is not possible to re shim worn ball joints.

I'm not so sure about that, I reshimmed an old set last time and they are still ok. That being said the old ones weren't that worn and probably heaps better quality than the new ones being suppli3d now.

[lsto]

Just spent the morning re-shimming my swivel joints, 3rd time I have had to do it in 18 months

It is not possible to re shim worn ball joints.

By re-shim I more meant de-shim. I have a new set on order with a few other bits and when they arrive I imagine I will be replacing them along with the steering gaiters in the not too distant future.

[mab01uk]

Somerford Mini stock a range of higher quality classic Mini parts from Japan under the Valtain brand for Mini owners who are willing to pay a higher price (although still reasonable price when compared to parts prices for similar items for modern cars).

 

VALTAIN HIGH QUALITY STEERING RACK GAITERS 5'' LONG-PAIR:-

https://www.somerfor...ers-5-long-pair

 

Other Valtain Mini parts:-

https://www.somerfor...eywords=valtain

 

Edited by mab01uk, 29 August 2025 - 06:22 PM.