Hi,

I was taking apart my driveshafts and I was wondering, if some of the balls in the pot joint (driveshaft side of course) fall out naturally without any force, is this an indication that the pot joint is worn or that the driveshaft side of the pot joint needs replacement?

This leads me to my second question which is whether or not you can still buy replacement inner pot joints (driveshaft side). The diff side is available, but I never see the driveshaft side made available.

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- Merrick
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3/71 Morris Mini K

Yep - they just fall out - its a common issue when you are removing an engine or drive shaft. No its not an indication of worn pot joints - its always happens. There are six steel balls that fit inside the cage on the shaft. Have a good look at the cage though as that sometimes wears or breaks. If it seems okay then dont worry further.

When you reassemble - make sure you get all six balls back in the respective slots. Its hard to do when you are a mere mortal by yourself so an assistant is very handy here. Grease them properly with CV grease (not wheel bearing grease).

The pots themselves are very strong and almost never wear or break. Give the a wobble though to check the bearings between them and the differential. If you have to take them out its worth replacing the oil seal.

TIP - Big tip - drain the oild first before removing the pots from the gearbox housing - it makes a big mess all over the garage floor very quickly.

That was quick! Thanks:)

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- Merrick
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3/71 Morris Mini K

Haha good tip mike!

You can buy new pot joints from mini parts distributors like Karcraft, Heritage MG and minis.com.au but as said by mike, they don't really wear. Just clean them up and repack them with CV grease, new boot and way you go. Just don't lose any balls or forget to put them back in but the car will tell you that when you take it for a drive if you do forget (learnt from experience )

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Lillee - 1969 Morris Mini K

Didn't do a search, but... I'm sure someone posted that you can grease and then wrap in cling-wrap to hold the balls in place when putting them back together.

It's in memory, so I'm sure someone like the doc mentioned it. The cling-wrap simply breaks down over time and doesn't hurt anything.

Someone confirm, or do a search.... Too late and too lazy!

There is a drive shaft builder/supplier in Brisbane that says he has drive shafts for Minis - Ive used him for my daughters Ford Laser , Corolla and our Subaru over the years and his price has always been the same -$150 fitted while you wait ($100 plus $50 deposit to DIY - so why would you) There are probably similar suppliers in other states if you need new.

Edit: before someone asks :-
A & F Driveshaft Repairs Queensland Pty Ltd
2/ 35 Clarence St Coorparoo QLD 4151
ph: (07) 3847 8200

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David L


My greatest fear in life is that when I die my wife will sell my Mini and tools for the price I told her I paid for them!

Confirmed

Took note of that tip for when I put the drive shafts back after the rebuild.

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David L


My greatest fear in life is that when I die my wife will sell my Mini and tools for the price I told her I paid for them!