10 replies to this topic

[antdoran]

Hi,

My mini (Austin Mini Mayfair 1985) is due in for an MOT at the end of the month. I know almost certainly that the offside steering gaitor will fail. How easy is it to replace and would i need any other tools than my rather large socket set (considering i am a newbie!!).



Awhile a go i managed to wash the front bonnet badge of because it was onlt stuic on with double sided sticky tape, it was a winged one with union jack on, it was very plasticy. Would anyone know what the orriginal badge would be so i can order both the gaitor and a new badge!.



by the way i saw a pastel blue mini last week at Reading Uni with a Paul Smith badge!!!


Many Thanks

Ant

[antdoran]

I knew that the paul smith badge was expensive just didnt realise how much! So is that the standard badge for 85 mayfairs?



Thanks


Ant

[Dan]

Are you changing a steering rack gaitor or a CV joint gaitor?

[antdoran]

Steering gaitor.

The gaitor nearest the wheel.

Edited by antdoran, 21 March 2008 - 02:44 PM.

[dklawson]

If you do mean the steering gaiter, this can be done with standard home tools, but you will need a ball-joint splitter. There have been a half dozen threads in the past 3 months that discuss what type to buy and where... and how to use them. Use the search feature at the top of the page and dig up those threads to learn more about the one tool you will need that you may not have.

The task isn't too hard. Remove the steering rod end from the arm on the wheel hub (using the tool mentioned above). Once it's removed, I advise you to paint mark the point where the jam nut secures the rod end to the rod coming out of the gaiter. Make the paint mark right where the two meet. When you loosen the rod end for removal, as soon as the jam nut moves STOP. Don't ruin your paint mark by continuing to turn the wrench. Hold the steering rod with soft jaw pliers and remove the rod end followed by the jam nut. From there the steps that have to be done to fit the gaiter will be self apparent.

Others will have to comment on what the current preferred lube is for the rack but traditionally you put a quantity of gear oil in the gaiter prior to securing its outboard end with the clamp.

When re-fitting the rod end to the rod, run the jam nut up to your paint mark and stop. Then run the rod end down until it just touches the jam nut. Hold the jam nut in one spanner and the rod end in the other. Tighten them against each other and try to NOT run the jam nut up or down on the rod. Doing it this way insures that you are getting the rod joint back in the position it was originally. If you fail to do this you will need to take the car to a shop to have the alignment checked and adjusted.

[Ethel]

have look in hereto find the bit you mean.

[antdoran]

Thank you Doug!

[dklawson]

I was looking for tools relative to another thread that's running and found this:
http://www.machinema...l-joint-remover

The link is to a scissor-type ball joint splitter. This is very similar to the one I use. The price looks very good. Still... search for and read the other threads about using this tool.

[antdoran]

I have now got the gaitor, wish it came earlyer grrr!!

dklawson, when you said gear oil i presume my normal castoral engine oil is the same??

I also got my badge however it has no fixings what do i need?



Thanks,

Ant

[998dave]

I have now got the gaitor, wish it came earlyer grrr!!

dklawson, when you said gear oil i presume my normal castoral engine oil is the same??

I also got my badge however it has no fixings what do i need?



Thanks,

Ant

There should be three holes in the bonnet with plastic inserts for it to push in to.
My '85 mayfair had a black badge with silver "MINI" and blocks, not the silver and blue, but will all be good.

D