C-22A1740 - COMPETITION BAULK RING – Fitting Instructions
Manufactured from high-tensile manganese-bronze, these baulk rings were
developed for competition use where the standard sintered metal baulk rings have
proven far from adequate. This material is not to be confused with the brass/silicone-
brass materials, all-over-machined, experimented unsuccessfully with by others in
the late eighties/early nineties. It is a purpose-sourced material, precision cast and
finished-machined using the very latest technology before post-machining stress
relieving treatment.
The nature of sintered components renders them brittle, and of limited material
integrity. Whilst being ample for the proposed standard road application, these
aspects of manufacture cause premature wear and breakage when used in
competition after only a very few miles.
Although the manganese-bronze baulk rings are more resilient to both wear and
particularly breakage, they still need to be replaced/serviced at reasonable intervals
as would steel baulk rings in competition use. Testing and 'in the field' use has
shown that these baulk rings can endure up to 2,000 rally miles and a full season's
circuit racing (approximately 750 miles), but the severity of the user must be bourn in
mind. As with any other component on a race-car, the harder a driver is on the car's
mechanicals, the more frequent the service intervals need to be. The locating lugs
work-harden in use, so initially look slightly damaged. This is entirely normal.
Motor oils with high detergent content are to be avoided, as these will accelerate
wear. Contrary to recent opinions, semi or fully synthetic oils do not cause problems
with baulk ring/gear-cone surfaces or their ability to perform correctly.
As is the case for all competition-orientated products, fitment and use is entirely
beyond Mini Spares' control. Whilst every effort has been taken to ensure the quality
of this product for the use to which it will be put, other factors may determine its
service life. Notably poorly applied moly coating of the baulk ring cone, incorrectly
ground cone angle, incorrect grinding stone and/or material grade used, or
chipped/worn cone surfaces. Use in normal road cars is not advised due to the
somewhat shorter service life expectancy.
Download a printable PDF of this fitting instruction here
C-22A1740.pdf