Morris Minor Owners Club

I probably already know the answer, but some new light may be thrown up.

1. Having fitted a 1275 engine and a 5 speed gearbox, is it advisable to fit new 1/2 shafts, or am I being a bit too paranode, it isn't anything too powerful after all.

2. Are there any problems fitting said 1/2 shafts, ie do I have to remove the hydraulic pipes for the brakes, I hate bleeding brakes

Thanks

Graham

No need to touch the brakes. Not even if you had to replace a broken shaft.

I'd leave them alone until when/if they break. Some people seem to get through lots, and some never break any at all. So long as you don't 'drop the clutch'. ie: put loads of revs on before violently raising the clutch. You'll be fine. I always engage the clutch at low revs and use the engine to get acceleration, not the clutch.

And NEVER roll back and use first gear to stop you, and go fowards. Always stop it on the brake.

IF you brake a half shaft, then could be the time to consider getting uprated ones. But I've got a 'hotted up' 1098 and lead feet, and I've not broken one yet.

chrisryder wrote:No need to touch the brakes. Not even if you had to replace a broken shaft.

I'd leave them alone until when/if they break. Some people seem to get through lots, and some never break any at all. So long as you don't 'drop the clutch'. ie: put loads of revs on before violently raising the clutch. You'll be fine. I always engage the clutch at low revs and use the engine to get acceleration, not the clutch.

And NEVER roll back and use first gear to stop you, and go fowards. Always stop it on the brake.

IF you brake a half shaft, then could be the time to consider getting uprated ones. But I've got a 'hotted up' 1098 and lead feet, and I've not broken one yet.

Many thanks for that, I understand what you are saying, but I'm too old for wheel spins starts etc, I've been there many years ago, more sedate now.

Graham

granneb wrote:Many thanks for that, I understand what you are saying, but I'm too old for wheel spins starts etc, I've been there many years ago, more sedate now.

Graham

In that case you should be fine!

You should pull them out and inspect the splines. If any sign of twisting, or any tiny cracks - chase up another pair! They MUST go back in the same side they came out.

I broke a half shaft on my 1275 when gently pulling out of a side road. I replaced it with a used shaft of unknown history, 50/50 chance of it being the same side. No more problems

bmcecosse wrote:You should pull them out and inspect the splines. If any sign of twisting, or any tiny cracks - chase up another pair! They MUST go back in the same side they came out.

Quite, but thanks anyway

mike.perry wrote:I broke a half shaft on my 1275 when gently pulling out of a side road. I replaced it with a used shaft of unknown history, 50/50 chance of it being the same side. No more problems

Thanks Mike, I have two spare 1/2 shafts, used and fairly old, so may keep them in the back for a just in case

Graham

granneb wrote:

mike.perry wrote:I broke a half shaft on my 1275 when gently pulling out of a side road. I replaced it with a used shaft of unknown history, 50/50 chance of it being the same side. No more problems

Thanks Mike, I have two spare 1/2 shafts, used and fairly old, so may keep them in the back for a just in case

Graham

If you break one, you can't just swap it out at the side of the road. The main bit of shaft will come out, but the broken end will be stuck in the diff. Not to mention the shards of metal that will be floating about in the oil.

The diff has to come out, and the axle casing ideally flushed to remove any debris.

We always take a spare pair to france with us on the Minors On Tour (MOT) trips, just in case. You'll never find a spare locally! But not worth carrying around with you day to day.

Better carry a bottle of EP90 too...........