I have not repaired a Midlands as of yet, but I'm told if you catch it early enough, you're just replacing pinion bearings and not buying expensive gears. Before you spring for the rebuild kit from the UK, have the trans drained to see if there are too many metal bits in it. My guess is that if it's not clattering like a sonofabi***, you're still good.
If you're closer to the Toledo side of OH, you could also consider taking it to Detroit Tuned. They've been know to wrench on a MINI or two.
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Eric@Helix New MemberMotoring Alliance Founding Sponsor
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eMINIparts Well-Known MemberMotoring Alliance Sponsor
- Mar 13, 2012
- 1,087
- MINI Parts Advisor
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- +1,090 / 0 / -0
Welcome to the coolest MINI forum on the net........
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Is Royal Purple 75w-90 ok to use? I can't find redline.
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Dave.0 Helix & RMW PoweredLifetime Supporter
I for one and Not a royal pimple fan at all Amsoil or Motul.
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I'm worried about the weight. The stuff that came out is a lot thinner.
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75w-90 gl-4 and go-5 approved is ok for a couple hundred miles?
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Dave.0 Helix & RMW PoweredLifetime Supporter
Because it was how old and burnt......
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wmwny Well-Known Member
Welcome to M/A! And, YES, Best is a great shop to patronize!
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mrntd Well-Known MemberSupporting Member
- Sep 30, 2011
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I thought there was a good euro import shop down your way. Best can be good, cheap they are not.
In the past I have had good luck with independent transmission shops, ones that are not chains. Ask questions you know the answers to and if you can supply the parts to make the determination. -
I drained the fluid last night. I was surprised how thin it was. It felt more watery than I expected, even after it cooled. I replaced it with Royal Purple Max Gear 75w-90 Synthetic. THAT was fun to squeeze through a thin piece of tubing.... The magnets both had sludge on them, but I don't know if it's ever been changed, so that may have been cumulative for 85,000 miles.
It shifts as well as it did before, and the noise didn't change much. Looks like I'll start working the OT and save up for a gearset kit. Hopefully it'll last a little while. If anyone would like to conduct a "Midland rebuild How-to clinic" I'll be happy to supply the car and parts! At least it has that Jetson's sound. That makes it less depressing.