11 replies to this topic

[Mini Waco]

To all you experienced folk,

 

is there a proper/correct way to reinstalling the front wheels after the engine has been pulled?  I"m wondering if I can simply reinstall the hub w/o the drive shafts connect.  How do people create the "rolling shell"?

 

Many Thanks,

 

 

[sonikk4]

On my sons car we have the drive shafts still fitted but wrapped in cloth to prevent rubbing on the subframe.

[timmy850]

As long as the CV joints are still fitted you should be able to move it around. 

[Carlos W]

Mine has outer CVs in the hubs and moves round perfectly

[Mini Waco]

Thanks all, I will give it a go after pulling the engine tonight

[nicklouse]

your only choices are whether to leave the driveshafts in place or not. everything else is as normal.

[Deathrow]

I've taken the same approach as sonikk4, I have the driveshafts running in some cardboard tubes so they don't rub on the subframe.

Essentially you need the hub assembly complete with cv joint/bearings/drive flange in order to have a safe rolling assembly. This picture from the BMC Workshop Manual should help explain why:



I say safe as my friend had a 'rolling shell' delivered which had no CV's fitted and instead had the drive flange slotted in to the hub and the only thing stopping the flange from backing out and the wheel falling off was the brake disc interfering with the caliper. When I realised, I had a horrifying moment imagining what happens when a Mini's front panel is suddenly seeking the concrete and all that stands in its path are your toes.

[Mini Waco]

Silly question as a result, how does one turn/steer the car? Manually twist the tire?

[Mini Waco]

This picture from the BMC Workshop Manual should help explain why:

Thanks Deathrow!!

[nicklouse]

Silly question as a result, how does one turn/steer the car? Manually twist the tire?

well as the rack will be attached yes twist a wheel. or pop on the steering column.

[Deathrow]

Yeah, just pop the column on and use the rack as normal.

If for some reason there's no rack or it's disconnected from the hubs then it's a lot of fun trying to steer two wheels independently of one and other (stay away from any hills, it might not get far but it'll be near uncontrollable).

[Mini Waco]

Total noob here. All this time I failed to notice the rack and pinion running from left to right. Therefore, yes, I now understand that the steering wheel will work. Thanks all!!!