Wobbly diff output shaft

[andyttt]

I have just bought a 1977 mini auto at auction and it has a number of issues they forgot to mention!

The worst is a massive shake above 20mg and after checking a number of things I’ve found the offside diff output shaft has about 1/8” of movement. I assume a bearing is shot but is this one of the bearings each side of the diff - I can’t see any others supporting the output shaft?

Probably a stupid question but would so much free play cause a vibration or shake as bad as I’ve described?

Andy

[andyttt]

Thought about this some more and I can’t see how the diff bearings stop the output shafts flopping about. The n/s is fine but the offside has loads of play. Could it be the aluminium side cover it sticks through which is worn? 🤔

[andyttt]

Please ignore my ramblings. I have realised there are bronze bushes in the side covers and I am guessing one of these is worn out. I’ll know for sure when I take the engine and box out (which I need to do to address the large number of oil leaks!).

[mra-minis]

Jul 1, 2023 16:45:57 GMT andyttt said:

I have just bought a 1977 mini auto at auction and it has a number of issues they forgot to mention!

The worst is a massive shake above 20mg and after checking a number of things I’ve found the offside diff output shaft has about 1/8” of movement. I assume a bearing is shot but is this one of the bearings each side of the diff - I can’t see any others supporting the output shaft?

Probably a stupid question but would so much free play cause a vibration or shake as bad as I’ve described?

Andy

I can be contacted on [e-mail]

Yes it certainly will do that, also creates a large oil leak if really bad.