Midget

1961-1979 / Roadster / United Kingdom

All Midget problems All workshop issues

Common Gearbox

Second Gear Synchro Wear

Symptoms

Crunching or grinding when downshifting quickly from 3rd to 2nd, especially when cold.

Cause

Second gear synchro takes the most punishment in normal driving. The brass synchro ring wears thin and cannot match shaft speeds.

Fix

Gearbox rebuild with new synchro rings.

Cost: $600--1,200 for a rebuild.

A used replacement gearbox is $300--600.

Cost mentioned in fix

Cost: $600$300

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// More Midget problems

Other known issues

Minor Body and Structure

Sill Corrosion

The outer sill skin softens, bubbles, and crumbles. When prodded, it offers no resistance. In severe cases, the door drops when opened because the inner sill has lost its structural integrity.

Critical Body and Structure

Floor Pan Corrosion

Soft or perforated floors, particularly in the footwells. Wet carpets after rain. In extreme cases, visible road surface through the floor.

Minor Body and Structure

Rear Spring Hanger Deterioration

The rear leaf spring mounting points crack, distort, or tear away from the body under load.

Minor Body and Structure

Inner Wing and Suspension Turret Corrosion

The inner front wings around the front suspension top mounts corrode and thin.

Minor Engine -- A-Series (948, 1098, 1275)

Thrust Washer Wear (Crankshaft End-Float)

A metallic knocking or clunking noise from the front of the engine, particularly when the clutch is depressed or released. The clutch may feel different -- pedal travel changes, engagement point shifts.

Critical Engine -- A-Series (948, 1098, 1275)

Oil Leaks

Oil on the engine, oil on the ground, oil smell from the exhaust manifold.

View all 17 Midget problems