Gearbox peeps - When did the Diff bearings change to steel caged?
Turbo Mini Forums

I purchased some diff bearings and was suprised that they'd changed to a steel-cage type (still made by RHP) instead of the plastic cage of the traditional Mini/Metro diff bearing.

I note there are fewer balls, and they're of a much smaller diameter aswell - ie these will almost definately have a lower load rating than the previous type. In short - I doubt these will be a 'last forever' (kind-of) bearing like the A+ ones seemed to be.

Annoyingly, I note you also have to bolt the diff together, and bend the locktabs over, THEN press the bearing onto the diff.
With the older ones, you could 'pop' the outer race and balls off the inner race easilly of course...
This probably means that every time you strip the diff, you should change this bearing as the only way to remove it is by pulling on the the outer-race. I guess if it comes off easilly, then it'd be ok - but if you're having to use a press, it's not ideal...

So - when did these things appear?

news to me, the last ones i bought from minispares were the older style with a plastic cage. These were had just before chrimbo IIRC.

If you want i'll go take a trip over to the local bearing place, they keep a lot of old stock, might be able to find something if u get me some numbers... (i lobbed my last set of A+ diff bearings and would have to strip a box down to get the numbers) - if u want the older style i mean.

Edited by andeh on 30th May, 2006.

I've seen the future and tbh its Pie

I'm not too fussed Andeh - It's in and built. We'll see how well they do next time i strip it down....

I ordered a diff bearing from dsn about 2 years ago and recieved a metal caged item, but most people still seem to stock the plastic caged jobbie. Fitted the metal caged one on this years build so will also have to see how it copes.

-MINI CLUBMAN 1380 TURBO-

Be interested to see how they last. I'll keep my eyes open for a few plastic ones incase anyhow.

I've seen the future and tbh its Pie

the best thing on these metal bearings on the older steel caged ones is that they are rivited instead of spot welded, but yes dave i know what you mean about the races aswell as removing the outer race, which made things one hell of alot easier.

always looking for them bigger bunches of bannanas

ps they have been around for about 3 years now but you can still get the plastic ones if you are lucky

always looking for them bigger bunches of bannanas