The Classic Mini engine and gearbox assembly is carried on the front subframe and secured by rubber engine mounts and steady bars (tie bars) that restrain engine movement under load. Worn mounts allow excessive movement felt as vibration, imprecise gear selection and potential interference with surrounding components.
Steady Bars
The steady bar configuration changed across production. An upper steady bar restrains fore-and-aft movement. Lower steady bars restrain rotational movement, with specifications differing between 848cc, 998cc/1098cc and 1275cc engines, the 1275cc itself had different bars for the 1275 GT (pre-1980) and the Cooper/injection era (1990 onwards). Steady bar bushes are the primary wear item, a worn bush produces a pronounced thud on throttle application and gear changes.
Bushes are available with or without spacers depending on the bar type.
MGOC Spares Range
This category in the MGOC Spares Classic Mini range covers engine mounts, upper steady bars, lower steady bars for all engine variants, steady bar bushes and spacers, brackets, mounting bolts and all associated hardware.