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MG MGB Technical - Cross Member Pad Replacement

Hi In the process of changing out my pads and have read through most of the archive threads on this topic. I am have removed the bottom front nut and washer and loosened the top nut but despite hitting with a heavy hammer and drift the stud is stuck fast. Keen to learn from other who may have experienced similar issue and how they over came it.
Incidentally Ii am changing back to rubber after the urethane bushes dried out and crumbled .

Thanks
Andrew Edwards

Hi Andrew
Each to his own, but I don't do it like that-
My method is, Have the car supported on stands or on a hoist , unbolt the steering rack off the crossmember and just let it sit there, then support the crossmember with a jack, loosen all four bottom nuts until they're just hanging on by a few threads
Remove the two nuts on one side only, then gradually lower the jack/crossmember until the crossmember clears the ends of the two studs on that side, swap out the upper pads, jack it back up and fit the lower pads, washers,nuts leaving the nuts a few turns back from tight---repeat on the other side, then jack the crossmember up hard against the top pads and tighten the four nuts---refit the rack---have a beer
Cheers
willy
William Revit

Hi Willy,

I am looking at replacing the original pads this winter (I have had the car from new) with poly pads, that i have already purchased. On a RB car (1980) is it possible to get sufficient access to the front nuts & studs in the manner you suggest without having to separate the king pin from the bottom wish bone/or top end from the shock absorber in order to remove the spring (which would also necessitate decoupling the drop links from the ARB etc & track rod ends? I think you are also implying that the top 4 bolts are left untouched as well as the UJ on the steering rod. If so this sounds much less of a daunting task - although i presume i might have to adjust the shimming when re-attaching
the steering rack?

Cheers
Charles
Charles9

Charles
I took it that Andrew already had his spring out
It needs to come out
I've heard of the job being done with the spring still in there but it's simple to get out and makes refitting thebottom pad assembly a lot easier
There's no need to pull the suspension apart
With the car up in the air, just loosen the 4 springpan bolts and then support the springpan with a jack, remove the two inner bolts then gradually lower the jack and the pan will swing down releasing the spring
I honestly can't see why the top nuts need touching or the through pins, the crossmember will drop fatr enough to clear theends of the studs to allow room for removeing/replacing the upper pads
Found this video, but he removes the pins which I don't

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t_J9e1hdssM
William Revit

Hi Willy,
Thanks for the clarification re the springs.
I had seen that video before, but having re- viewed it all much clearer now. I like your variation by not disturbing the top nuts & leaving the studs in situ.
Cheers,
Charles
Charles9

Thanks Willy
You have answered my other query that is can you lower the crossmember sufficient to clear the studs if left in situ.

Appreciate you taking the time to respond.

Cheers
Andrew Edwards

This thread was discussed between 07/10/2021 and 09/10/2021

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