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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - Re axle or differential

So, consensus is we have a broken axle. Is there a way to determine which side before I open everything up. Also, there is a pair of used axles on eBay for only $30 as opposed to nearly $500 for the pair at Moss or VB. Are all Spridget axles standard through the years?
MJJ Jones

IIRC from what I've read here the later one are better/stronger(?) but you'd have to check the Archives

IIRC also in the Archives is how to check which side
Nigel Atkins

The later (stronger) halfshafts have the part number BTA806 on the mushroom head.

If you jack up the rear of the car, turn one wheel while holding the other one still and see if the propshaft turns.

If it turns, that side is OK. Repeat with the other side.

Whichever one doesn't create movement at the propshaft is the broken one, but be sure to stop the one wheel from turning.
Dave O'Neill2

I'm seeing double, another person with the same initials. Must be all the champers I've had for Murray. Never thought I would come across another MJ Jones.

Michael
MJ Jones

I believe the stronger half-shafts have a groove at the diff end a couple of mm in from the end - looks like a circlip groove.

If you buy used ones, make sure they go back on the same sides from which they were removed. Swapping left for right (and vice versa) will increase the risk of future failure.

Because they usually fail at the diff end, it's likely the diff will have steel shards inside and so will need to come out anyway, in shich case it is inconsequential which side has failed as both will need to be stripped.

I guess you don't have wire wheels?
G Williams (Graeme)

Ah... just seen an unlinked earlier post. Apologies for some repetition.
G Williams (Graeme)

These are the grooves to which Graeme refers...

Dave O'Neill2

Thanks Dave. Mine are fitted so couldn't take pic. Been in and out a few times though! Nice when you have a few spares floating about for illustration.
G Williams (Graeme)

This thread was discussed between 07/07/2013 and 08/07/2013

MG Midget and Sprite Technical index

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