watto wrote:
OK folks, I'm happy as a Mokee in mud.
It turns out it wasn't the diff after all, so even my previous best-case scenario was a little pessimistic.
It seems that the inboard CV joint (pot joint) was badly worn and the drive shaft popped out. It happened with such a bang, leaving me with no drive, that I thought it was the diff.
Incredibly, while towing it to my motel (thanks again Geordie), it appears the shaft popped back into place, though only just on the end of the spline and not all the way in. I never knew they could do that, but John Smidt rang me on Sunday morning and we talked about it and he said he had seen this happen before. I thought about, jacked the car up and had a look, then took it for a drive - to my surprise it actually drove. Thanks John.
That meant I had drive, but it was noisy and clicky, especially when under load like accelerating.
So, I had a very nerve-racking drive out to Greig Malaure's (Mini Classic) this morning in Sydney peak traffic, thinking at any time the shaft could pop out again and I would then find myself the subject of traffic reports about the latest hold-up on Silverwater Road ("There appears to be a little red Mini stuck in the middle of the road holding everyone up").
Anyway, I made it (phew) and Greig was able to sort out the problems for me. My heart-felt thanks to Greig - not only for doing the work, but being able to fit me into his busy schedule and get me back on the road today. All going well (famous last words) I will now be In Brisbane by Wednesday, so should not have to change any of my schedule in Brissie.
I am now looking forward to catching up with everyone at the Muster.
Thanks also to everyone for their support, phone calls, messages and emails full of kind words.
Cheers,
Watto.
Good news Craig....so had you lost/broken a circlip?? they should retain the driveshaft...
