Page 1 of 42

How to Guide: Gearbox rebuild - The Mini Forum
CLICK FOR TMF MAIN SITE
Forum Guidelines
Page 1 of 42
Calendar
Members
Search
Help
Welcome Guest ( Log In | Register )
The Mini Forum > Hints and Tips > Frequently Asked Questions > Engine
How to Guide: Gearbox rebuild, Not exactly 56k friendly
GuessWorks
Options
Post #1
Jul 4 2005, 11:18 PM
Gearboxes may seem complicated but they are very simple in their construction, and surprisingly easy to put together. The main
issues are having the right tools to do the job. So here's a list of what you will need..
Torque Wrench with a maximum range in excess of 150lbft
1.1/2� deep socket ( a ball joint socket is ideal )
Small ratchet and a long extension is useful
Other sockets 1.1/8, 9/16, 1/2, 7/16, 3/8
Mini Doctor + FAQ'S
Small cold chisel
Steel punch (1/8� diameter)
Larger steel drift
Group: Mini Doc's
Posts: 8600
Joined: 1-September 04
Mallet (soft and hard headed)
Small screw driver
From: Rugby, Warwickshire
Member No.: 481
Drives: all over the country
Engine: 850 upwards
Local Club: Rugby Classic Mini
There are three main rotational parts in the gearbox, the 1st motion shaft ( or input shaft ) which carries the bottom drop gear and
what could be called 4th gear, the laygear which transfers the power from the input to the rest of the gearset, and finally the 3rd
motion shaft which carries all the remaining gears.. If you want to know more about how that works, then follow this link…
Owners Club
http://www.theminiforum.co.uk/forums/index...ic=3851&hl=
But for the purpose of this How to, we'll assume you already know or don't care! :cheese:
First of all make sure you have everything you need..
http://www.theminiforum.co.uk/forums/index.php?showtopic=9808
10/20/2007
How to Guide: Gearbox rebuild - The Mini Forum
Page 2 of 42
And of course the case
The first part which should be assembled is the 3rd motion. The shaft should be checked for signs of wear and replaced if
necessary, new ones are not cheap, so sourcing a good second hand one is the preferred method.
http://www.theminiforum.co.uk/forums/index.php?showtopic=9808
10/20/2007
How to Guide: Gearbox rebuild - The Mini Forum
Page 3 of 42
Place onto the nose end ( the one without the thread ), the needle bearing for the 3rd gear and then into the hole in the shaft
adjacent to this the spring and plunger for the gear retainer ring..
http://www.theminiforum.co.uk/forums/index.php?showtopic=9808
10/20/2007
How to Guide: Gearbox rebuild - The Mini Forum
Page 4 of 42
The third gear can now be slipped over the plunger and onto the bearing. Notice the presence of the oil can, everything should be
well oiled as it is put together.
And the plunger.
http://www.theminiforum.co.uk/forums/index.php?showtopic=9808
10/20/2007
How to Guide: Gearbox rebuild - The Mini Forum
Page 5 of 42
The retainer ring is then placed over the splines with the deep grove next to the plunger.
Using a small screwdriver or punch, the plunger can be pushed in and the retainer pushed into place, and then turned to lock. You
will hear a click as the spring pushed the plunger into the retainer.
http://www.theminiforum.co.uk/forums/index.php?showtopic=9808
10/20/2007
How to Guide: Gearbox rebuild - The Mini Forum
Page 6 of 42
That's now 3rd gear installed, now turn the shaft around and perform much the same operation for 2nd gear. This time the retainer
spring has two plungers and a hole which goes all the way through the shaft.
http://www.theminiforum.co.uk/forums/index.php?showtopic=9808
10/20/2007
How to Guide: Gearbox rebuild - The Mini Forum
Page 7 of 42
Push this through and position the 2nd gear onto the shaft. And then the retainer.
You will notice 2 small holes in the 2nd gear, which line up with the plungers, these are to help push the plungers in so the retainer
can be locked in place. First push the retainer down having push one of the plungers into the shaft, there will be enough give in the
retainer for you to hold it in by pressing down on the retainer.. From the other side press the plunger in through the hole in the
gear using a small screw driver (or in my case a small brass rod)
http://www.theminiforum.co.uk/forums/index.php?showtopic=9808
10/20/2007
How to Guide: Gearbox rebuild - The Mini Forum
Page 8 of 42
The retainer can then be pushed in and turned; you will hear two clicks this time as the plungers lock the retainer.
If you ask me that's the hardest bit of a rebuild completed, 2nd and 3rd gears are now locked onto the 3rd motion shaft.
http://www.theminiforum.co.uk/forums/index.php?showtopic=9808
10/20/2007
How to Guide: Gearbox rebuild - The Mini Forum
Page 9 of 42
Next will be the 1st/2nd Synchromesh, but the all important baulk ring must not be forgotten, which is just dropped onto the 2nd
gear
http://www.theminiforum.co.uk/forums/index.php?showtopic=9808
10/20/2007
How to Guide: Gearbox rebuild - The Mini Forum
Page 10 of 42
And then the synchro itself is place on to ( notice the cog on the outside is towards the 2nd gear, get it the wrong way round an
you will not be able to select gears )
The 1st gear is next in line, but before that the bearing race ( or top hat ) must be placed on the shaft, this helps retain the
synchro and something for the 1st gear to run against.
http://www.theminiforum.co.uk/forums/index.php?showtopic=9808
10/20/2007
How to Guide: Gearbox rebuild - The Mini Forum
Page 11 of 42
This is quite a tight fit and may need to be drifted in ( especially if a new on is being installed as it is here ), but I find buy placing
the 1st gear bearing and gear on the top hat it can be pushed into place by hand. Don't forget the baulk ring
http://www.theminiforum.co.uk/forums/index.php?showtopic=9808
10/20/2007
How to Guide: Gearbox rebuild - The Mini Forum
Page 12 of 42
That completed, and the 3rd/4th gear synchro placed on the other end ( notice the positioning of the rib round the outside of the
synchro again ) with the baulk ring, then the 3rd motion shaft is ready to be put into the case, but put it aside for one moment.
This post has been edited by GuessWorks: May 19 2007, 06:00 AM
GuessWorks
Jul 4 2005, 11:18 PM
Post #2
The case should be clean and free of any loose particles, you’ll notice that this one is not shiny clean as would a customer one be,
but this is one which after 2 days in dip would still not clean up. The outside however, is sparkly clean!!
Mini Doctor + FAQ'S
Group: Mini Doc's
Posts: 8600
Joined: 1-September 04
From: Rugby, Warwickshire
Member No.: 481
Drives: all over the country
Engine: 850 upwards
Local Club: Rugby Classic Mini
Owners Club
http://www.theminiforum.co.uk/forums/index.php?showtopic=9808
10/20/2007
How to Guide: Gearbox rebuild - The Mini Forum
Page 13 of 42
The first item to be installed in the case is the Selector shaft and interlock spool which are inserted from within the case and should
be turned away from their normal position, this will leave room for the selector levers to be installed.
http://www.theminiforum.co.uk/forums/index.php?showtopic=9808
10/20/2007
How to Guide: Gearbox rebuild - The Mini Forum
Page 14 of 42
The selector levers are placed on the pin which is besides the selector, first will be the pivot bush (like a sleeve), and then the
reverse lever, a thin spacer washer, the 3rd/4th lever, which has a chamfer cut on both sides of the lever, another thin spacer, and
then the 1st/2nd lever, which only has a chamfer on the upper side. It is all then retained by a washer and a nyloc nut (Always use
a new nut, never reuse nyloc nuts). It’s also worth while checking that the selector can function with the levers.
The Selector fork can no be installed, but placing the 3rd/4th fork in the case followed by the 1st/2nd so that the line up with the
selector levers. The selector shaft can then be pushed through from the hole in the case and through the forks, making sure the
hole in the shaft for the split pin lines up with the hole in the 3rd/4th fork
http://www.theminiforum.co.uk/forums/index.php?showtopic=9808
10/20/2007
How to Guide: Gearbox rebuild - The Mini Forum
Page 15 of 42
And when in place the pin can be punched in. At this time the reverse idler should be installed and the oil strainer if a CPU is not
being fitted.
http://www.theminiforum.co.uk/forums/index.php?showtopic=9808
10/20/2007
How to Guide: Gearbox rebuild - The Mini Forum
Page 16 of 42
With all that now in place, the 3rd motion shaft can be introduced into the case. This is done by holding it on one hand and
lowering the pinion end of the shaft in and through the main bearing retainer.
The shaft can then be lowered down into position with the synchro sitting in the selector forks. You will notice that there is a small
recess in the casting which allows the nose to be lowered through with ease. Notice the absence of the strainer as this box will
have a CPU, central oil pickup.
http://www.theminiforum.co.uk/forums/index.php?showtopic=9808
10/20/2007
How to Guide: Gearbox rebuild - The Mini Forum
Page 17 of 42
The 3rd motion shaft is now ready for the the main double roller bearing to be installed. This is the workhorse of the box and
ideally should be renewed. The new bearing is supplied without the locating ring; this must be removed from the old bearing.
http://www.theminiforum.co.uk/forums/index.php?showtopic=9808
10/20/2007
How to Guide: Gearbox rebuild - The Mini Forum
Page 18 of 42
This is then placed over the 3rd motion shaft and drifted into the case..
http://www.theminiforum.co.uk/forums/index.php?showtopic=9808
10/20/2007
How to Guide: Gearbox rebuild - The Mini Forum
Page 19 of 42
At this point keep an eye on the synchros; what you don’t want to happen is the shaft to move so much that they are pulled apart
by the selectors (balls and springs everywhere).
Now it is time to concentrate on the other end of the gearbox, and installing the 1st motion shaft and single roller bearing. I have
found it easiest to place the bearing on the shaft first and then to drift it into the case. Notice the baulk ring in place too.
http://www.theminiforum.co.uk/forums/index.php?showtopic=9808
10/20/2007
How to Guide: Gearbox rebuild - The Mini Forum
Page 20 of 42
And then into the case, remembering to put the nose roller bearing on the nose of the 3rd motion shaft.
http://www.theminiforum.co.uk/forums/index.php?showtopic=9808
10/20/2007
How to Guide: Gearbox rebuild - The Mini Forum
Page 21 of 42
And then the circlip to hold the bearing in place.
http://www.theminiforum.co.uk/forums/index.php?showtopic=9808
10/20/2007
How to Guide: Gearbox rebuild - The Mini Forum
Page 22 of 42
This now shows two of the three rotational gearbox parts in situe.
Don’t be worried is some of the gears (especially 3rd will not spin) this is due to the fact that the gearbox has not been torque’d up
which will pull the 1st and 3rd motion shafts apart a little and free up the gears.
This post has been edited by GuessWorks: May 19 2007, 06:01 AM
GuessWorks
Jul 4 2005, 11:19 PM
Post #3
Now is the time to place the CPU into the gearbox if being fitted, but only in a vague position as it will have to be installed hand in
hand with the laygear.
Mini Doctor + FAQ'S
Group: Mini Doc's
Posts: 8600
Joined: 1-September 04
From: Rugby, Warwickshire
Member No.: 481
Drives: all over the country
Engine: 850 upwards
Local Club: Rugby Classic Mini
Owners Club
http://www.theminiforum.co.uk/forums/index.php?showtopic=9808
10/20/2007
How to Guide: Gearbox rebuild - The Mini Forum
Page 23 of 42
Before the laygear is added it is important to put a standard (or measured) set of thrusts into the box which will become apparent
later.
http://www.theminiforum.co.uk/forums/index.php?showtopic=9808
10/20/2007
How to Guide: Gearbox rebuild - The Mini Forum
Page 24 of 42
And with one competition Layshaft (this is an A series single step type, A+ have two steps and only 2 bearings) and bearings to
install.
The bearings are placed into the laygear
http://www.theminiforum.co.uk/forums/index.php?showtopic=9808
10/20/2007
How to Guide: Gearbox rebuild - The Mini Forum
Page 25 of 42
And then the laygear is placed into the gearbox, with the CPU and the thrusts this can be a bit of a fiddle but will get in eventually..
http://www.theminiforum.co.uk/forums/index.php?showtopic=9808
10/20/2007
How to Guide: Gearbox rebuild - The Mini Forum
Page 26 of 42
And then the Layshaft is inserted from the side through the laygear, bearings and thrusts.
http://www.theminiforum.co.uk/forums/index.php?showtopic=9808
10/20/2007
How to Guide: Gearbox rebuild - The Mini Forum
Page 27 of 42
Now the importance of the endfloat and thrust washers… The gap between the end of the laygear and the thrust must be measured
using a feeler gauge.
Which this time turned out to be 6 thou (0.006 of an inch), this is right at the limit of the tolerance for end float (should be
between 2 and 6 thou) so the Layshaft has to be removed and the small thrust washer replaced for a slightly thicker one, there are
a number of different thicknesses available, and as you may remember I said start with a standard one (which is the thinnest),
using a micrometer I measured a few of the others I had and found one which was suitable.
http://www.theminiforum.co.uk/forums/index.php?showtopic=9808
10/20/2007
How to Guide: Gearbox rebuild - The Mini Forum
Page 28 of 42
And after a quick swap over, the endfloat was down to 3 thou, which is much more acceptable.
http://www.theminiforum.co.uk/forums/index.php?showtopic=9808
10/20/2007
How to Guide: Gearbox rebuild - The Mini Forum
Page 29 of 42
With the laygear installed you can now think about completing the installation of the gearset and pinion, the first thing to be added
is the 3rd motion bearing retainer. This should be attached using the bolts to a “just nip� tightness, and with most things
within the mini gearbox will need the clearance checking.
In this instance I could just squeeze a 2 thou feeler in, anything less than 5 thou is ok, any more and shims should be added. Not
only does the 3rd motion retain hold the bearing, it also retains the locking plate for the reverse idler shaft and the lay shaft, each
of which have a slot in so they can be rotated using a screwdriver to help locate the locking plate, and the retainer can be bolted in
place with it’s lock tabs bent over.
http://www.theminiforum.co.uk/forums/index.php?showtopic=9808
10/20/2007
How to Guide: Gearbox rebuild - The Mini Forum
Page 30 of 42
This is an A+ case so only 3 bolts are used, A series cases have 4 bolts but this introduces a weak spot in the web, which can
crack, as shown ( this was my gearbox case which is why this pictorial rebuild is taking place )
http://www.theminiforum.co.uk/forums/index.php?showtopic=9808
10/20/2007
How to Guide: Gearbox rebuild - The Mini Forum
Page 31 of 42
With the retainer installed and torque’d up, then the diff pinion can be placed on with a locking washer and big retaining bolt, and
at the other end the desired style of input gear and locktab washer and bolt.
http://www.theminiforum.co.uk/forums/index.php?showtopic=9808
10/20/2007
How to Guide: Gearbox rebuild - The Mini Forum
Page 32 of 42
And the oil feed (CPU or standard) can be secured.
http://www.theminiforum.co.uk/forums/index.php?showtopic=9808
10/20/2007
How to Guide: Gearbox rebuild - The Mini Forum
Page 33 of 42
Before the gearbox can be finally torque’d. The only way I have found to do this simply and quickly is; first disengage the selector
and select first and forth by tapping (hitting) the synchros to engage, and then turn the box upside down on the floor, stand on it
and pull the torque wrench up, this needs to be capable of dealing with 150 lb ft torque, and must be done on both the input and
output ends.
http://www.theminiforum.co.uk/forums/index.php?showtopic=9808
10/20/2007
How to Guide: Gearbox rebuild - The Mini Forum
Page 34 of 42
hey-presto one gearbox with all gear spinning freely, if they do not then something is wrong! ( make sure you have de-selected 1st
and 4th and re engaged the selector )
http://www.theminiforum.co.uk/forums/index.php?showtopic=9808
10/20/2007
How to Guide: Gearbox rebuild - The Mini Forum
Page 35 of 42
This post has been edited by GuessWorks: May 19 2007, 06:02 AM
GuessWorks
Post #4
Jul 4 2005, 11:20 PM
All that’s left to do now is install the speedo take off, and the differential. Turn the box on its front so the diff case is facing
upwards, and place the whole differential onto the gearbox, as far to the right as it will go ( this will help with setting the preload
on the diff bearings later )
Mini Doctor + FAQ'S
Group: Mini Doc's
Posts: 8600
Joined: 1-September 04
From: Rugby, Warwickshire
Member No.: 481
Drives: all over the country
Engine: 850 upwards
Local Club: Rugby Classic Mini
Owners Club
Don’t get too confused if your differential does not look like this, this particular item is a Tran-x X Pin diff and much stronger than
the original cast caged single pin diff, but the installation is exactly the same. With the diff in place, the rest of the diff casing can
be fitted, and the right hand end plate. These should be fitted with the gaskets, and as you torque up the end plate this will push
the differential assembly towards the left.
http://www.theminiforum.co.uk/forums/index.php?showtopic=9808
10/20/2007
How to Guide: Gearbox rebuild - The Mini Forum
Page 36 of 42
Now, at the other end of the diff casing, install the other end plate Without the gasket and tighten the bolts to the just bite point
again, and again using feeler gauges measure the gap.
http://www.theminiforum.co.uk/forums/index.php?showtopic=9808
10/20/2007
How to Guide: Gearbox rebuild - The Mini Forum
Page 37 of 42
Here it is 5 thou, what you need to do is take that away from the compressed width of a gasket, 7 thou, which leaves 2 thou end
float. The preload on the bearings is equivalent to 4 thou, so you need to add the end float to the preload, which gives 6 thou, and
the thickness of the shim required.
What I do now is disassemble the diff casing, and oil soak all the gaskets and rebuild. This helps with the seal of the gearbox.
Not forgetting to put in the selector shaft locating sleeve, ball bearing and spring
And the selected shims for the preload
http://www.theminiforum.co.uk/forums/index.php?showtopic=9808
10/20/2007
How to Guide: Gearbox rebuild - The Mini Forum
Page 38 of 42
One completed differential
http://www.theminiforum.co.uk/forums/index.php?showtopic=9808
10/20/2007
How to Guide: Gearbox rebuild - The Mini Forum
Page 39 of 42
And a new idler bearing in the side of the case
And speedo housing on the other end.
http://www.theminiforum.co.uk/forums/index.php?showtopic=9808
10/20/2007
How to Guide: Gearbox rebuild - The Mini Forum
Page 40 of 42
And that pretty much the end of the story
http://www.theminiforum.co.uk/forums/index.php?showtopic=9808
10/20/2007
How to Guide: Gearbox rebuild - The Mini Forum
Page 41 of 42
This post has been edited by GuessWorks: May 19 2007, 06:02 AM
CharlieBrown
Post #5
Jul 8 2005, 09:34 AM
If you want to comment on this How to Guide please leave your comments in the following topic:
Chat about Guessworks Gearbox Guide
--------------------
www.BH2N.co.uk
Group: Admin
Posts: 3389
Joined: 20-February 04
Official TMF drag racer - Italian Job '04 -Team 33 - TMF - Italian Job Chat - Official Italian Job Site - USA road trip 26/5/06 - 6/6/06
From: Bristol
Member No.: 151
Drives: Birthday 30
Engine: 998cc Beast
Local Club: TMF
Enter Keywords
« Next Oldest — Engine — Next Newest »
Search Topic
1 User(s) are reading this topic (1 Guests and 0 Anonymous Users)
0 Members:
|---- Engine
http://www.theminiforum.co.uk/forums/index.php?showtopic=9808
Go
10/20/2007
How to Guide: Gearbox rebuild - The Mini Forum
Lo-Fi Version
Page 42 of 42
Time is now: 21st October 2007 - 03:32 AM
Integrated by BBPixel.com
Powered By IP.Board 2.3.1 © 2007 IPS, Inc.
http://www.theminiforum.co.uk/forums/index.php?showtopic=9808
10/20/2007