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MG MGA - Layshaft / bearings

My layshaft is shot. Front bearing area looks perfect. but rear has 4 thou ridge over 180 deg. Recent posing warns of poor quality (too soft) layshafts. 3 questions - 1) who supplies the best layshafts? 2) recommended type of needle rollers - caged or uncaged (and best source)? 3) Howing to avoid scratching the inside bore of the laygear when installing / removing the circlips?
Art Pearse

Don't know who supplies the best layshaft. Luckily I have never bought a bad one. If I knew for sure anyone selling a bad one, I would have it posted on my web site. If anyone has procured a bad one recently, do let me know.

Full compliment roller bearings are FAR superior to caged bearings. See here:
http://mgaguru.com/mgtech/gearbox/gt204.htm
Unfortunately the proper full compliment bearings are difficult to find these days. If the old bearings are full compliment sets and in good condition, leave them in there rather than installing caged bearings.

The laygear is a forging and very tough material. It is very unusual for the bore to be worn, even when the layshaft is entirely shot. You will not scratch the bore when installing circlips.

Getting circlips out is an easy trick. Apparently you haven't read my pages in gearbox overhaul. See here:
http://mgaguru.com/mgtech/gearbox/gt203a.htm

The pertinent note is 2/3 down the third page, like this:
>>>The only reason for removing the clips is to replace the bearings, so we presume the old bearings will not be re-used. Place a small punch against the clip half way around from the tips, and give it a whack with a hammer to break the clip. <<<
Barney Gaylord

This thread was discussed on 13/03/2010

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