MG-Cars.net

Welcome to our resource for MG Car Information.

Recommendations

Parts

MG parts spares and accessories are available for MG T Series (TA, MG TB, MG TC, MG TD, MG TF), Magnette, MGA, Twin cam, MGB, MGBGT, MGC, MGC GT, MG Midget, Sprite and other MG models from British car spares company LBCarCo.

MG Midget and Sprite Technical - Lever arm suspension

Chaps

Further to previous mail, rear suspension is definitely bouncy and therefore was thinking about replacing LAs with telescopics... a la FL.

However, been reading a little further and have decided to have a go at keeping the LAs. The link arm is shot - so need replacements there, but wondering how does one determine if the damper unit itself is shot?

At present the arm does move both ways fairly evenly - if the body is in a vice, and I exert some force on the end of the arm. Difficult to say just how much force is correct I guess....specific weight on the end of the arm perhaps?

The oil within is pretty grey and horrible, so I will flush it out and replace with Silkolene fork oil SAE 30.

Refit, test and see I suppose...?


Cheers

Mark

Mark O

The rear shocks tend to be pretty reliable. I still have the original set on my Frog and they are fine!
if the lever moves evenly with no looseness through its travel and there are no leaks then good to go. An oil change is a good idea, 30sae may be a bit heavy I use 20sae.
Bob Beaumont

Bob

It certainly does not seem to be loose. One tip I read about was to use SAE30 to offset any wear in the pistons within the damper unit - and considering the bouncy rear, it may be worthwhile.

Again though, not sure if the bounce was caused by the shot link arm or the damper itself....

Cheers

Mark
Mark O

Mark,

The worn link can make quite a bit of difference. particularly on semi elliptic springs.

Good luck with overhaul.

Bob

Bob Beaumont

Bob

The link wasn't so much worn as seized. The bolt in the rubber bush at the top end of the link was not free to rotateat all, and at the bottom, the ball joint was very stiff. I would have thought this would stiffen the dampening effect more than anything - the arm being effectively rigid...

Anyway - replacements ordered......

Cheers

Mark
Mark O

This thread was discussed on 23/02/2015

MG Midget and Sprite Technical index

This thread is from the archive. The Live MG Midget and Sprite Technical BBS is active now.