Mini Clutch
A few weeks back, I was experiencing a gradual decay in the clutch pedal's performance. It soon got to a point where the pedal lost all firmness. I could push the pedal all the way to the floor and would have a heck of a time getting it into any gear. After I made some phone calls, I asked my Dad to help me bleed the clutch to see if it was hydraulic-related. This was the first time I bled anything, and I think it had been quite awhile for my dad. But it was pretty easy. Though definitely a two-man job. This temporarily fixed the issue. Apparently, the rubber hose that carried the fluid partway from the master cylinder to the slave cylinder had collapsed (meaning there is build-up on the inside of the hose causing a restricted flow of the fluid). After ordering another hose and waiting for a nice enough day to bother my dad to help me again, I noticed the same symptoms returning. So I'd like to get this thing replaced as soon as possible.
Mini Steering
While making my rounds at the auto stores, I noticed some 'slippage' in the steering wheel of the Mini. Admittedly, I've been taking some pretty hard turns recently. But a car should be able to withstand such 'spirited driving.' David helped me diagnose the problem down to a pinch-bolt at the base of the steering column. We tightened this from inside the car and it certainly helped the situation. However, we need to fix it more permanently. It has already been slipping since then.
Midget Speedometer
Ever since the transmission swap, the speedometer and odometer (which share a gauge) have been non-operational. Last weekend I had the car up on ramps to assess the situation, and I found the cable itself to be severed. I'm guessing we must've cinched it with the transmission when we were putting it back in. After a 'universal' cable from Advance Auto was discovered to be too small in width, I ordered a new one (both cable and outer sheath) from Moss.
Midget Alternator Belt
A few weeks back, I fixed a squealing, loose fan belt. But the squeal has returned. I think it's due to a stripped bolt that helps hold the tension slider in place. I'm guessing the belt is gradually loosening, causing the gradual increase in squealing.
So I've got my work cut out for myself. Both cars are still driveable, but obviously I'd like to get these things fixed as soon as possible. Tomorrow morning I plan to put the new speedo cable in the Midget and to look over the fan belt. I think I need to get a 13mm tap-and-dye set to try and fix the bolt. Then I'll get over to my parent's house so Dad can help me install the clutch hose and re-bleed the clutch (I think I'll also switch to synthetic fluid to prevent this from happening again.) And David said he'll help me with the Mini's steering situation at some point. I'd love to get it all done this weekend, but we'll see how things go.
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