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MG MGB Technical - Swivel Axel replacements?

Alrighty now, I was looking at the swivel axels on my 72 MGB, (not my midget project, this is my other car daily driver) And found a couple of cracks in the axel itself, so I'm looking to find some replacements for it, I know VB sells them and all but I was wondering if there might be another alternative to the originals out there? Like for example using the swivel axels from a Datsun 200ZX for example? (That btw is where I'm getting the new wheels for my Midget project.) I was wondering if anyone had done this before and where I could get any information on such a conversion?

Thanks in advance, CJ
CJD Dark

Why would you want to use an alternative? Although yours may have cracks it is hardly a common problem, personally I'd just exchange them for a rebuilt pair.
Paul Hunt

because this is the second pair of rebuilt swivel axels I've bought from VB so far and they both cracked to hell.
CJD Dark

CJ-
Get your next set of swivel axles from Bob Ford at Brit Tek. I've installed several sets from him over the years onto my own and other's cars and I've never known them to have any problems. Lube them routinely and they should last for years and years.
Steve S.

If you received them cracked then I would send them back.
Paul Hunt

I just bought a rebuilt set on Ebay for $225. They were excellent! Quality merchandise from the machine work to the paint! Just had to send in my cores!


Jeff Schlemmer

Ouch! Typically 40 quid in the UK.
Paul Hunt

40 Quid (~$65 US) for a rebuilt pair? Even if for only one it's less than half the going rate on the west side of the pond. I'm shocked someone hasn't opened up a business trafficking in swivel axles alone.
Steve Aichele

Be careful with the rebuilt units from England. The last pair I received were way too tight (not shimmed) properly and the portion of the stub axle the bearings rode on had been bead blasted to the point that too much metal had been raised to allow the bearing to slide on. Wade Keene in Oak Park, Illinois rebuilt mine and although not yet installed I am very pleased with the quality of his rebuild. I know Bob at Brit-Tek has his rebuilt locally and Tom Bedenbaugh (?sp) at Import and Sports in Memphis also comes highly recommended.
Frank

Thanks a lot, Frank. I would agree that the UK prices mentioned seem suspiciously low. On the other hand, VB prices theirs at about $350 a pair, but that doesn't include any parts other than the swivel axle itself - you need to buy the other susp. rebuild parts separately - and their build quality seems to be questionable (worse in CJD's case). There's a fairly broad "going rate" over here.
Wade Keene

Ah, sorry, that's each not a a pair, but still ... And that includes kingpin, pre-setting and the top trunion. I'm sure it also includes VAT too so you can deduct the equivalent of 17 1/2%. I have used them in the past with no problems, like anything else it depends where you get them from. Those are MGOC prices so I would expect them to be sound, it may well be possible to buy worse ones at a lower price elsewhere! The MGOC also sell pre-set needle-bearing units said to give lighter steering and even they are only 60 quid each. Believe it or not I am not an MGOC salesman on commission, I just never fail to be shocked at the prices you have to pay for things 'over there'. You ought to try contacting a few suppliers and see how much they would ship them for.

Moss USA quote $190 for the RH side and $185 for the left (?) but it is not clear if that is just for the swivel axle or the axle, kingpin, trunnion etc all reamed, shimmed, assembled and ready to fit which is what the UK items usually are.
Paul Hunt

This thread was discussed between 02/11/2003 and 05/11/2003

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