4 replies to this topic

[Gonzo.Madness]

Hi guys, i got a 998cc mini city 1990 which i got off my bro. a garage tells me the bottom end bearings have gone even though im still driving it??? i have got the new bearings but just wondered if anybody has changed a set of these before and any advice would be much aprieciated. want to get her on the road for the next meet up really. got a week off!!

Thanks for your help,
Ry

[robba_duck]

Hi guys, i got a 998cc mini city 1990 which i got off my bro. a garage tells me the bottom end bearings have gone even though im still driving it??? i have got the new bearings but just wondered if anybody has changed a set of these before and any advice would be much aprieciated. want to get her on the road for the next meet up really. got a week off!!

Thanks for your help,
Ry

Hi mate, Looks like your going to be having some fun

First thing you are going to need to do is strip your engine, i would suggest that if your new to this sort of thing then get a book!

1 Engine out & manifold off (exhaust and inlet)
1a Drain oil!
2 clutch housing off
3 Flywheel off
4 Flywheel Housing off
5 Yudda yudda it all makes sence when you get stuck in!
finally get the gearbox of the bottom of the engine

Now its all apart you need to get the end casings off the crank and check what they are (STD, 010, 020, 030, 040)
This will be stamped on the bearings some where!
This applies for the mains and the big ends. you should also check the thrust washers ( i would change all at once)
Also you will need to check the status of the crank, normally you would take the crank to some where like an engine shop or minispeed etc and they will measure the journals and if needed they will regrind the crank so its usable again.

then you will get your bearings so if it is standard now and needs a regrind you will no doubt go to 010 thou.
so the bearingsyou have right now may not be correct.

Then you just gotta put it all back together and make sure you get all the torque settings right and check the end float (gear on end of crank) when on shaft it slould only have around 7thou movement back and forards.

I do highly reccomend you get a book to guide you!

but hope the information i have given helps you

rob

Edited by robba_duck, 06 July 2008 - 05:31 PM.

[Dan]

The best advice anyone can give you if the main or big end bearings have worn out is STOP DRIVING THE CAR. Right now you might be lucky enough to be in a position where only the bearing shells themselves are worn. It's unlikely if you've been driving it in this condition but it is possible. If you keep driving it you are only increasing the damage that is happening to the crank and the rods, if these need machining or replacing it will increase both the time your repair will take and the cost of it. Also if you keep driving it you could end up causing much more severe damage like siezing the whole thing or throwing a rod through the block. Just stop.

[robba_duck]

The best advice anyone can give you if the main or big end bearings have worn out is STOP DRIVING THE CAR. Right now you might be lucky enough to be in a position where only the bearing shells themselves are worn. It's unlikely if you've been driving it in this condition but it is possible. If you keep driving it you are only increasing the damage that is happening to the crank and the rods, if these need machining or replacing it will increase both the time your repair will take and the cost of it. Also if you keep driving it you could end up causing much more severe damage like siezing the whole thing or throwing a rod through the block. Just stop.

Also What he said ^^^

[Gonzo.Madness]

Thanks for the advise guys.ill start with removing the lump and take it from there. got a haynes manual on its way too so hopefully that helps too.thanks.