MG-Cars.info

Welcome to our Site for MG, Triumph and Austin-Healey 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 - Telescopic damper bushes

1967 Mk IV Sprite.

The rubber bushes on my rear telescopic dampers are looking tired and crumbly and I've got an MOT coming up!

I need to order replacements bushes but I haven't been able to identify the maker of the dampers - all I know is that they are plain red!

Are the eyes on telescopics all the same size or does they vary according to the maker?

Are these bushes the same as bushes used elsewhere on the car or are they likely to be a universal type?
I'm reluctant to start dismantling until I've got the replacements as I suspect the originals will crumble when I take them out.

I'm planning to re-bush the rear suspension completely - are there any pitfalls to watch out for?

Colin Mee

Look like Koni's to me, orangey sort of red.

R.
richard boobier

Colin -

I can't comment on the dampers, but as for rebushing the suspension, just remember to wait until you place full weight on the wheels before tightening up the shackle bolts. You don't want to impart a twist to the new bushes by snugging up the shackles and then lowering the car afterward.

Cheers,

-:G:-
Gryf Ketcherside

Thanks Gryf. Fortunately I learned about that one on my Morris Minor which has similar bushes but I welcome the reminder.
It goes for its annual test next week so I just might leave the new bushes in the boot in case and cop out and get the garage to fit them if they fail. I'm pretty sure I can trust them to do it correctly as it's reliable old fashioned local garage.
As for the shock absorber bushes, I keep drawing a blank. It seems as though they are only available with new shocks! I think adjustables are a bit out of my price range at the moment but, from another thread, I gather Mini ones do the job well.
Cheers
Colin
Colin Mee

Hi Colin, you say 'As for the shock absorber bushes, I keep drawing a blank.'
It's difficult to advise if we don't know what you've tried already. Have you spoken to Koni or any of their recommended workshops?
David Smith

Have you looked at these, "Universal shock absorber eye bushes" ?

http://www.superflex.co.uk/products.php?cat=393

And check this out too.
http://www.superpro.com.au/superpro-tech-updates/item/19-shock-absorber-eye-conversion-bushings
Lawrence Slater

Dave - Thanks for the suggestion - I think I'll need to take one of them off to clean and study properly to see if there are any identifying marks. I suspect that they might be AVO.

Lawrence - Thanks for the links, they look really useful. As above, I think I'll need to take them off and do some measuring.

Many Thanks
Colin
Colin Mee

Well I 'suspect' they are Koni and adjustable !

R.


richard boobier

Colin,
I have some brand new spax bushes if they're any use to you. I ended up fitting complete new shocks.

Ian
I Ball

Thanks for the offer Ian.

It's going for its MOT on Thursday when I'll find out for sure (I thought I still had a couple of weeks in hand to get them sorted!). I think the shocks are otherwise OK but will wait for the verdict to find whether I need bushes, complete units or (hopefully) nothing at all!

Cheers
Colin
Colin Mee

Moss sell super-pro bush part number 102987SP for the Spax damper. I fitted some recently, 2 bushes per damper, cotton reel type. Squeeze them in using a vice and hold the damper as a lever to get them started, there is a You Tube video of how to do it.

Mike
M Myers

Panic Over - MOT passed at first attempt! Only one notification: slight play in one front wheel bearing (better start reading that epic thread to find everything I need to know about them before buying!).

No mention of shock absorber bushes!

I have even less of an idea than before about the possible make as, following closer inspection, I realise that they are hand painted in a gungy brownish orange - the same colour that a PO has used on welded patches under the carpets.

Thanks for pointing me in the direction of the Moss bushes Mike - they look as though they will be worth a try.
Colin Mee

"(better start reading that epic thread to find everything I need to know about them before buying!)."

Well if you do buy new ones, why not re-open the same thread and keep the discussion in once place. :) All the answers and conclusions are there for all to read.

Lawrence Slater

Because the wheelbearing thread is too long Lawrence - it takes so long just to open and get it to load, it has become unusable.
Guy W

Well maybe, but I don't have that trouble.

At the very least then, if a new thread is opened, to avoid all the same discussion all over again, and the same myths and misunderstandings, there should be a summary at the top of the new thread. Otherwise I think the most recent thread is still the better option. imo lol
Lawrence Slater

I knew I shouldn't have mentioned bearings!

I promise to study the epic and archives before asking any questions!

I'm also learning that nothing Spridget is ever as simple as it seems at first sight! It would be so much simpler if people passed on records and receipts - but then I wouldn't have needed the forum and I'd have missed out on loads of other info. Swings and Roundabouts I guess, but I'm eternally grateful for all the advice I've been given to date as well as some interesting NMC items!

Is it time to close this thread or is there more to learn on shock absorber bushes?

Colin
Colin Mee

Colin it's said in investment, "there's never a wrong time to take a profit"

Well, in the Spridget world, there's 'NEVER' a wrong time to mention front wheel bearings. They are the spice of life. lol.
Lawrence Slater

This thread was discussed between 05/06/2013 and 14/06/2013

MG Midget and Sprite Technical index

This thread is from the archives. Join the live MG Midget and Sprite Technical BBS now