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MG MGB Technical - Broken Front Springs

I realized after getting a flat tire that my front springs are both broken. From what I could tell it isn't that difficult a project to undertake to replace them.

I was planning on purchasing two new springs. Do I need any type of spring compressors or anything? Any other parts that should most definitely be replaced?
Jason C.

Oh, I have a 1970 mgb roadster.

Cheers!
-Jason
Jason C.

Jason,
This subject is discussed at lenght in the archives. You have a 30+ year old car, now is a good time to replace everything so you know that the front end is in good shape and you will not have to go there again for years to come. You can probably re-use the spring pans, spindles and lower cross-shafts. Again check the archives for details and good luck. No spring compressor but a floor jack and jack stands.
Leland Bradley

Jason. No one has reported success in using a spring compressor and several have noted that they tried and it would not work due to interference. I had a problem last year when I rebuilt the front suspension on my daughter's 77. The new springs were just a hair long and did not want to go over the rear lip of the spring pan. I used two pair of vice grips to compress together two of the coils in the middle of the spring and that made the job considerably easier. Be very careful, however, these springs are very strong and can hurt you if they get away from you. Work carefully, wear safety glasses and leave the beer until after the job is done. If you can afford the cost and the down time, Leyland is perfectly correct. This would be a good time to do a front end rebuild and then you will know the front system is good for many years to come. I rebuilt the front and rear suspension on my 68 GT and it made a very notable difference in how it handles. When they were new, these cars handled very well. With a front and rear suspension rebuild, they still will handle much better than most people, driving old, worn suspensions can appreciate. I rebuilt the front first and the rear about a year later. Used the uprated front shocks from World Wide in the front and standard shocks in the rear. Do what you can afford, in time and money, to some form of plan. Mine was rebuild front end, new shocks and rebuild rear end over a period of about two years. Les
Les Bengtson

A safety tip - when compressing coil springs, loop a length of chain through the coils and tie to a suspension member (sway bar?)linking the ends together. This will keep the springs from getting away from you (or at you)should they come loose while compressed.

FWIW

Bud

Bud G

That's a good idea, Bud.
MMD

In my experience the installation of front springs is very easy in a pre '75 model and dificult in '75 and post due to the much longer springs in the late models. With the early model (and original springs) I was able to use a small floor jack to lift the lower A arm into place. In dismantling a late model my kid had the audacity to just unbolt the lower A arm with the cross member out of the car. The whole cross member jumped about 6'. Luckily no harm was done.
Barry
Barry Parkinson

This thread was discussed between 20/06/2003 and 21/06/2003

MG MGB Technical index

This thread is from the archive. The Live MG MGB Technical BBS is active now.