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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - Rear Axle check straps

One of the rear rubber check straps has broken on the Frog. They were last replaced in 2010. I read that replacements are poor quality and last a matter of months. They are certainly cheap!. Any recommendations
Bob Beaumont

Most of them are too short, which places them under a higher load than intended when they take up. This is one reason why they fail early.

Another reason is springs having too much initial camber or repaired with over-thick or extra leaves. These in turn also result in extra load on the straps when they take up, typically twice what they were designed for. New 1/4 elliptic springs we have had through are particularly bad in this respect, and are well stiffer thanks to leaves being thicker than spec.

So most of the time premature check strap failure is down to overloading them. However, there are some check straps on the market which have no reinforcing. They don't stand a chance.

We have got to the stage where much of the time the next strap up in length is closer to what you want rather than the one under the original part no!
My notes say AHH5081 for chrome mumper midget, with eye to eye 8.75"

Paul Walbran

The originals had a high canvas content but the replacement ones appear to be mostly rubber, and not very good rubber at that-
You can get heavy duty straps made from a nylon material like towing straps / seatbelts
I think Moss listed them at one stage, they weren't cheap but would last I guess-
MGA straps are 8 7/8" ---might be an option

willy
William Revit

I was gong to mention the nylon ones as I remember it was discussed before, a few threads turn up in the archive in 'Midget and Sprite General' searching for all these words 'check strap nylon', maybe the technical as well but I didn't search that one. Ebay has https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/187063115992 .
David Billington

Thanks for the comments.Paul, I have the standard rear springs, I was lucky to find a set of NOS rear springs when I restored the car in 2010. AHH5081 is the number listed in my BMC Mk1 Sprite parts book so it looks as though they are the same for all Spridgets. I suspect your spot on that the replacements are just rubber with no reinforcement!!

William/David I will have a look at the heavy duty nylon ones.
Bob Beaumont

Bob,
Most sailmakers could make a pair out of webbing - maybe incorporate a tube to stop wear.

A company who I used to get mooring warps and safety webbing lines made up were Jimmy Green Marine in Axminster. They deal nationwide.
richard b

Thanks Richard, I will investigate
I see Moss do nylon ones for £30.95 incl postage.
Part no AHH5081X
Bob Beaumont

Not on yours Bob, but there are 2 standard length of straps as the 1500 used longer ones.
GuyW

I have measured the one that broke and its around 8.75" or so centre to centre. I believe thats the same length as the MGA. Another parts bin special!
Bob Beaumont

With my knackered 1275 springs, I doubt my straps ever reach full extension on rebound. Lol.

But if they do extend fully, shouldn't there be a degree of stretch in the straps? Otherwise don't the chassis/axle anchors risk being ripped out/bent/broken?




anamnesis

There is more than one source of these, with varying levels of reinforcement. Some have none. Add in the length variations and they are a nightmare to stock. We bin quite a few.
Paul Walbran

The original straps seem to be made of a webbing fabric which has been coated with some sort of tar protection . I have the remains of one on an old Frogeye axle. I doubt they had much stretch.
Bob Beaumont

Why last my staps 29 years and 190.000km?
Flip Brühl

Driving style? If a strap is doing anything then that wheel is about to leave the tarmac.

AdrianR

By way of an update, I eventually purchased a set of straps from Moss Pt No AHH5081X. £30.95 incl delivery.
They appear to be well made from black webbing. 8.75 inches from the centre of each loop. They were cheaper than the quote from Jimmy Green marine which was over £40 plus delivery.
I fitted them today. It was a bit of a struggle to get the strap loop over the axle mounting but wventually with the aid of a little soft soap all was good.
The axle appears to hang on the straps in the same place as previously and clears the exhaust pipe (1275 system).
Note these are not designed to fit the 1500 Midget as the strap is longer. They also will fit the MGA.
Looks like a decent upgrade but time will tell.
Bob Beaumont

This thread was discussed between 14/09/2026 and 21/09/2026

MG Midget and Sprite Technical index

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