Dictionary of Terms

Chapter ONE
Here is a dictionary of terms to help you comprehend the British repair manuals.
Adapted from East-West, the Magazine of the Mini Club of New South Wales.

• Allan Key: A journeyman locksmith at the Abingdon Works from 1937 to 1963.

• Backlash: A mild term to describe a spouse's reaction to your decision to buy another Mini.

• Ball Joints: Establishment of ill repute found in less desirable parts of town.

• Clevis: Distant relative of Elvis Presely famous for his handbrake links.

• Dry Sump: A condition often found in Minis after all the oil has leaked from the sump.

• Dynamo: The one in your Club that does all the work.

• Electrode: Lucas ignition parts often found by farmers in their roadside fields.

• Grommet: A cosmetic rubber ring designed to hide wires with missing insulation where they pass through body panels.

• Half Shafts: The parts you are left with after you hear a loud 'snap' followed by grinding from under your car.

• Helical: A special deviousness. As in, "I'm having trouble setting up my differential because it is helical".

• Hypoid: An extra-severe form of helical.

• Journals: Monthly magazines showing easily made repairs such as replacing crankshaft bearings.

• Manifold: A great many. As in, "The manifold leaks in my radiator caused my Mini to overheat".

• Oil Bath: The soaking your brand new jeans get when you change the oil.

• Panhard Rod: A French connecting rod.

• Pinion: A small pine tree whose wood is used for Rokee dashes.

• Ratchet: Deposits left by large rodents in abandoned garages.

• Seat Squab: A small game hen found in Spain.

• Semi-floating: The driving position of a Mini in heavy rain.

• Set Screw: A small screw, broken off or pre-rusted at the factory following installation.

• Shackle: A semi-flexible coupling describing the relationship between a Mini and its owner.

• Stub Axle: A component manufactured from a half shaft.

• Wet Sump: An external sign of a serious oil leak.

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