13 replies to this topic

[ac427]

I've read that the quality of baulk rings had decreased over the years.

I was wondering which were the best quality baulk rings available today?

Does anyone have experience of the rings available from Classic Minis Japan?

[cal844]

Buy them from Guessworks

[Northernpower]

I agree, buy them from Guessworks.

[Icey]

No issues with the sets I've bought from Guessworks. Double check your clearance mind, even though John's are good, they can't make up for a worn syncro cone (as I found to my cost).

Edited by Icey, 31 March 2022 - 11:47 AM.

[Gaz66]

The question is where do guessworks get them from.
It would be funny if they all came from the same supplier.

[ac427]

No issues with the sets I've bought from Guessworks. Double check your clearance mind, even though John's are good, they can't make up for a worn syncro cone (as I found to my cost).

Thanks Icey, Is there a video describing how to check the clearances?

[Spider]

They are likely very thin on the ground now but I always had good success with the genuine Rover Baulk Rings. I know some people gave them a bad rap however I've only had one that I found on inspection to be slightly out of round. When everything else that needs to be checked is right, I can select 1st gear at 60 mph - though I've never let the clutch out ! It's just a test !! I've fitted loads of them.

Here's where to check the clearance, measurement B;-

 

 

[Icey]

Petrol covers this in their rebuild thread, for testing on the bench...

Baulk ring clearnace

 

For the box I've just built, I checked them all on the bench using a machine vice to hold (not clamp) the ring and gear square, and all were around the 'new' clearance (within 0.01-2mm). When I compare it to the old box where I didn't measure I can see the same measurement is much smaller (so the ring sits higher up the cone).

Edited by Icey, 04 April 2022 - 08:16 AM.

[gaspen]

They are likely very thin on the ground now but I always had good success with the genuine Rover Baulk Rings. I know some people gave them a bad rap however I've only had one that I found on inspection to be slightly out of round. When everything else that needs to be checked is right, I can select 1st gear at 60 mph - though I've never let the clutch out ! It's just a test !! I've fitted loads of them.

Here's where to check the clearance, measurement B;-

Hello

When you measure the gap of baulk ring do you just drop it on its place or do you apply some pressure?

[PoolGuy]

The question is where do guessworks get them from.
It would be funny if they all came from the same supplier.

Anyone who is having their own rings made would be sure to shout about it. I haven't seen any such claims. 

[whistler]

Don't know if it's still the case but John Guess used to check his baulk rings on a lathe and correct any distortion caused by the welding of the spurs.

[PoolGuy]

Don't know if it's still the case but John Guess used to check his baulk rings on a lathe and correct any distortion caused by the welding of the spurs.

Surely that’s standard when building a box?

[Shooter63]

As far as I'm aware John ( Guessworks ) gets his own made, I just used some in a box build and they were nice with really good stand off, I did clock a couple in my lathe but they were spot on so didn't bother with the others. The best O.E ones if you can find them are the W ones but they haven't been made for years. Another really good one is the competition ones sold by Minisport but they are eye wateringly expensive, but if you have the money go for it. As for the rest, it's a bun fight.

Shooter

[Spider]

As mentioned above, the genuine Rover Baulk Rings I found great, easily as good, if not better than the early 'w' types. I also had very good success with the earlier Mini Spares rings. More lately, on a suggestion from Graeme C, I've tried a few sets of MED Rings, which are a little unique in design, with changes to make them last longer and had great success with them. Very fairly priced and a top class product.