Dogbones popping out? No problem.

bluemax_1 · #1 03-26-2003, 08:10 PM

If there was a thread about fixing the problem with the front dogbones popping out, I sure don't see it anymore. So in case anyone new has a problem with that, here was what I did.

First of all, I haven't had the dogbones pop out on me yet, but I'd heard of the problem, what I was actually doing was installing the bearing set. While I was taking the fornt end aapart to install the diff and wheel bearings, I noticed that when the wheels are turned to maximum angle, One of the wheels has a little too much freeplay in the axles between the dogbone, the drive axle and the diff, so the simple solution that I came up with, and I know other people have done this too, was to put a spacer in the diff to prevent the dogbone from moving too far and allowing one the other end to pop out of the drive axle.

The simple thing was, because I was replacing all the plastic bushings with sealed bearings, I had all the plastic bushings left over and whaddya know, they fit in the end of the diff perfectly.

Also noticed another thing. The excessive play seems to be only on one side, the other seemed alright. I could be wrong of course, but it seems on my car that the problem side is the front left when looking at the car head-on. In other words, I stuck the plastic bushing in as a spacer on the side of the diff with the adjustment screw.

3series takumi · #2 03-26-2003, 10:18 PM

something i use is a small spring from a pen. just cut it to the right size and it works perfectly always keeping the dogbone against the wheel.

SteveK · #3 03-29-2003, 06:02 PM

A small rubber o-ring will also work as a spring.

johnrtse · #4 04-01-2003, 10:39 PM

My new Mini X already had a bushing in the RF, but the dogbone popped out anyways

I tried to use a spare plastic bushing, and sanded it thinner, but after pulling apart the front suspension about 7 times (no kidding) trying to get the bushing just the right thickness, I decided to use a spring instead. I used an extra Mini Z stock front suspension spring- cut down to size. A cut-down pen spring, as suggested already, would work just as well.

Works perfectly!