As a result of fixing an early Cam Gears Oz rack today, I found there were 3 different pinions, made, not 2 like I had thought.
Type 1- Spline has bolt groove all round, shank is ground .562" dia all the way to the pinion teeth. Used with early body that has NO bearing spacer (bearing recess is further from the seal than later bodies).
Type 2- Spline has bolt groove all round, shank is .562" dia to about 3mm from the pinion teeth. Remainer is .570" dia. Used with spacer.
Type 3- Spline has a slot for the bolt, shank is .562" dia to about 3mm from the pinion teeth. Remainer is .570" dia. Used with spacer. Can still get these, NOS in Leyland bags from Mini King.

Apparently once they moved the bearing outwards & fitted the spacer, they no longer cared to grind all the way to the teeth. This means type 2 and 3 pinions won't fit the early body, I found this out the hard way. But the rack's owner unearthed another early pinion, so all is now good.

So, there ya go.. trivia for today.
here endeth the lesson.

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DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

I had a new rack fitted about 5 years ago by NMP. I'm a little concerned since a few posts say that UK racks don't last the distance, compared to Oz ones. What is the main problem and symptoms when these UK racks crack up? Or should I just stop worrying!

Thanks

Jim

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'68 Morris Mini 1310 A+ (Now Sold!)

I've not sold any imports, but
1. I have a Rover one here, which is fine except one tierod inner joint is worn out. The kit to fix these is NLA in UK last time I looked.
2. `maxie 23' on here had the bearings fall apart in a recent UK rack. Supposedly the `new improved' variety too...

I think the problem with the newest replacement racks is that although bought in from UK, they are made `a long way east' of there. Build quality and lubrication are problems..

I fix Oz racks because most of the wear parts are available here. They are also more robust, as the rack inside it is bigger diameter.
For most of the imported racks, repair parts are in short supply.

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DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

Thanks for the info. I'll guess I'll just have to wait and see how long this one lasts...

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'68 Morris Mini 1310 A+ (Now Sold!)

Usual symptoms of a worn rack- rattle when you move the steering to and for, or the rack bush on LH end wears out and you can wobble that wheel sideways.

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DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.