8 replies to this topic

[bubbles]

Hi i'm new and would be very gratefull for any advice, I have a 94 Mini Mayfair, and the front exhaust keeps coming away from the manifold,I keep taking it back to kwikfit but within a couple of weeks the exhaust has come away again > I had the new exhaust fitted by them so I feel it's their job to keep fixing it, is it a common fault on minis or are they not repairng it correctly, thanks again for any advice *

[Big_Adam]

Coming away from the manifold?

Is this an uprated manifold (LCB or freeflow) or the old stock manifold?

If its the orginal manifold then I'd do two things, 1st would be put the two manifold flanges back tight together then put the clamp. 2nd I would check the lower exhaust mount on the back of the gearbox was still attached.

...also wouldn't be using quick fit. :P

[bubbles]

Coming away from the manifold?

Is this an uprated manifold (LCB or freeflow) or the old stock manifold?

If its the orginal manifold then I'd do two things, 1st would be put the two manifold flanges back tight together then put the clamp. 2nd I would check the lower exhaust mount on the back of the gearbox was still attached.

...also wouldn't be using quick fit.

Hi Thanks for getting back,I think the clamp is coming loose that joins the exhaust to manifold flange, and I suspect all they are doing is tightening the clamp and adding sealant, and it's not holding, a few journeys over speed humps and I think its working loose, used Kwik fit because found it difficult to reach but since then have now got some ramps, the mini's due back at Kwik fit tommorrow for them to have another look, but thanks will try and repair ourselves if it happens again

[ginigwunkle]

i changed my exhaust and it ketp coming loose at the gearbox mount, after going over the bumps in sheffield roads im not supprised but i gave it a really good tighten and its held since, just try to avoid the humps and ditches....lol

[taffy1967]

I had the same problem years ago and it was due to the pesky gearbox bracket bolt coming loose. If the manifold isn't supported by that bracket, it could shear altogether when the engine moves about. I think in the end my local garage must have welded the bolt in place, because it hasn't moved since!

Anyway for the past decade i've had an LCB Manifold (from Maniflow) and a Maniflow exhaust system to match fitted and i've not had any problems since.

Oh and I wouldn't trust Kwik Fit as far as I could throw them and I don't want a job done quickly by a company that can't spell it's own name, no I want it done properly!

So if I was you I'd take it to a good local garage (perhaps someone recommended by your local Mini Club) and let them fix it properly.

Edited by taffy1967, 18 February 2007 - 09:07 PM.

[bubbles]

I'll give Kwik fit one more go at fixing the problem as I'm not paying for it they might as well do it, we wanted a mini as a project but ended up buying one that didn't need much doing to it apart from the exhaust, you really know when you've gone down a hole in a mini, i'll end up going to see an osteopath soon my backs killing me

[taffy1967]

All Kwik Fit are going to do is tighten the flange bolts up again, but after a short period of time it's going to come undone again (with the usual engine movement) unless the gearbox fixing bracket bolt is fitted and fully tightened up.

Try and avoid deep pot holes if you can, because they also have a bad effect on the bearings and ball joints.

[bubbles]

Thanks for the advice Taffy1967, now we've got the ramps it'll be easier for us to do it ourselves, we'll definatly have a look at the gearbox fixing bracket, I may point that out to Kwik fit 2moz, but this is definatly the first and last time we'll use them thanks again *

[taffy1967]

I hope you get it sorted soon, because Minis are awesome little cars, but you have to know who to trust and who to avoid otherwise they'll spoil the enjoyment due to all the hassle.