Mini gearbox.

Trifid

Trifid

Trifid

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Joined
18 Feb 2006
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Just a quick question, how easy is it to replace a gearbox on a Rover Mini? As there is a MINI I am interested in, but the gearbox sometimes doesn't go into 3rd going down, so has to go from 3rd to 1st to 2ndwhile holding the clutch in.

Also, where would I go to find one if it is quite a simple job?

Thanks, Trif.
 
Trifid said:
Just a quick question, how easy is it to replace a gearbox on a Rover Mini? As there is a MINI I am interested in, but the gearbox sometimes doesn't go into 3rd going down, so has to go from 3rd to 1st to 2ndwhile holding the clutch in.

Also, where would I go to find one if it is quite a simple job?

Thanks, Trif.
Click to expand...

Will it no go into 2nd at all, i.e. the gearlever refuses to move into 2nd, or does it just crunch when you try to change into 2nd from 3rd?

Unlike many cars you have to remove the engine and gearbox as a unit on the mini. You then have to remove the clutch, the primary drive cover and then unbolt the gearbox from the bottom of the engine.

It's not particularly difficult, but can be a bit fiddly as clearance for some of the bolts is a bit tight. You can have the engine and box out of the car in a couple of hours if you have a decent set of tools and someone to help, though if you've never done it before it would probably be wise to put a weekend aside to complete the job. You will also need a new "conversion" gasket set from either a local motor factors or a mini specialist, and you might want to think about a new clutch if the engine has plenty of miles on it, as fitting it with the engine out is much easier. Also a good idea to replace the differential oil seals and the remote gear change oil seal as the gearboxes tend to leak from both as they age.

A gearbox should be obtainable through your local breakers, though you will want to make sure it has the correct final drive ratio.
 
You could try double declutching, just to see if that makes it driveable for the time being - in 3rd, clutch in, into neutral, clutch out, blip the throttle if you want, clutch in, into 2nd (sounds laborious but it's not too bad), clutch out.

When my Sprint box is cold it's impossible to get first without double declutching. Or 2nd, for that matter :D
 
I would say its an engine out job. I have split an a-series g/b from block and it was not too hard. Although I wouldn't recommend it if you aren't a competent mechanic.

As for a replacement 'box they should pop up on ebay quite regularly or you could ask on one of the many Mini foums. It probably would be better to recon the gearbox yourself but again you need to know your stuff.

Another thing to bear in mind is you can help the problem by double-declutching. I did used to do this on a Mini I used to own and you do get used to it and makes the gearchange a lot smother.
 
or does it just crunch when you try to change into 2nd from 3rd?
Click to expand...

Thats the one. :p Is it common for that to happen?

I was afraid that the engine would have to come out. That was what was putting me off of getting it.
 
Trifid said:
Thats the one. :p Is it common for that to happen?

I was afraid that the engine would have to come out. That was what was putting me off of getting it.
Click to expand...
Bulk rings by the sound of your description. still got to remove the box to fix though.
 
Personally after doing a few donkeys years ago in the old mini i wouldn't bother.
The engine comes out easy enouth but splitting and replacing is a waste of time.
For the money you will spend i would go for a complete unit to drop back in, engine and box. Look around an find a written of rover mini with super low mileage and owner etc.
Swapping the two is a piece of **** and anyone can do it.
Only buy an engine and box that you can hear running though never one of the shelf.
When you are finished you will have a better car than you started with and probably would not have spent any more money.
One things for sure it's a lot less stress and the results are much better.


Sidenote.
Used to make loads from old mini's by buying old smokers with the inlet valve seals gone. Look and run like dogs with smoke pouring out the back.
A couple of hours later and about 3 quids worth of rubber the engine sang like a bird and blew nothing but water vapour.
Good old simple mechanics for the win every time. :)
 
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