5 replies to this topic

[Sask_Mini]

Hey Guys/Gals, 

 

Newbie mini owner here.  I bought a 1972 Austin Mini (Canadian version) about 3 weeks ago and I am working on getting the car fixed up to my standards.  I am totally new to the mini scene though and have a lot to learn.  

 

Anyways, here is my question.  There is a pretty significant oil leak coming from the area where the front right axle enters the differential housing.  I put the car up on jack stands yesterday expecting to see a leak from the rod shifter seal ( I already bought the seal upgrade kit for that).  But once I got under the car this is what I saw.

 

 

Something here doesn't look right to me.  I don't think there is supposed to be that much space between the pot joint and the differential housing.  Am I right in assuming that?  What do I need to do to fix it?  Should I replace the differential axle seal or if I get the pot joint seated in the proper position would that fix the issue?  

 

This is what the left side axle looks like, which makes me think that something isn't correct on the right side.

 

 

Any help I can get would be appreciated.  I have the haynes manual which helps a bit but it doesn't really answer my question. 

[nicklouse]

Seal could now be toast. You could try reseating it on the output shaft. It is retained by a C clip.

[slidehammer]

The pot joint should a fairly close fit to the output shaft seal housing, with the plastic oil thrower (the white this you can see on the shaft) up against the seal. I would get new seals for both sides and reseat the pot joint on the shaft. Unfortunately the A series engine does like to drop oil and they are rarely oil tight for very long. It is what usually stops the front subframes for rotting like the rears do, so it is a mixed blessing!

[Sask_Mini]

Thanks guys,  I will order a new seal and a new c-clip to keep the pot joint where it should be.  The c-clip goes on the side with the rubber cover?  How do I reseat the pot joint against the housing?  

[nicklouse]

If you need to change the C clip it you will need side plate gaskets as well, as it is not accessible without removing them.

I would be pulling the hubs and drive shafts off if you are not pulling the engine.

Whatever. Drain the oil first.

[Sask_Mini]

I went back out to the garage and checked out things a little more closely and the rubber gaiter on the pot joint is ripped pretty badly.  So I guess I am replacing the entire pot joint as well.  

 

Thanks again for the help.  I found an older post with some tips and details about getting the driveshaft removed and replacing the joint, so once I get my parts I will try and tackle that.