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MG MGB Technical - Sub Frame pads

The first time I went through my '69 BGTs suspension about 7 years ago I did everything except for the sub-frame pads. Fast forward to this month. I noticed the handling getting a little vague so I poked around and found the front sway bar bushings were toast. I replaced the rubber ones with some nice poly units. The front lower a-arm bushings (which I had done with rubber V8 style units) were also a bit worn looking, so I have a set of poly bushings on the way. All the rear bushings, which were polyurethane, have held up quite well.

I'm wondering how much difference replacing the front sub -frame pads will make. I've done them before on other peoples cars, and know they are a tad bit tricky. But will I feel a difference in the handling or are they so compressed and thin that it won't make too much difference whether they are fresh or a bit dated?

Any and all feedback greatly appreciated.

And if it makes a difference I drive the thing pretty hard and have fat rubber on it 205/60/14.

-Bill
Bill Mertz

Honestly, it depends on the condition they're in. When they get really bad, you can actually get a 'klunk' on braking! So yes, they can make a big difference, but they have to be pretty far gone before you'll feel it...

At rest, gravity is holding the body down on the crossmember, compressing the pads. You can't see any looseness. So, reverse the situation:

Support the body on jackstands. The pad is no longer compressed by gravity. Now you can see how much play there really is. If it's still tight, great. If the crossmember drops a quarter inch, and you're seeing a big ole gap around those pads, you might want to do something about that.

Hope that helps!
Sam

I'm still on the originals and no problems ever. When IU took the cross memeber off I looked at them carefully before putting them back (as I was in no hurry to see them again).
Stan Best

Bill-
Glad to see you back again! The crossmember pads are there to reduce road vibration from reaching the rest of the car, but old crossmember pads can have an effect on handling. I'd say go ahead and replace them with new polyurethane ones from Superflex. Lipped pad- Part# SPF 0015A, Flat pad- Part# SPF 0015. They seem to last forever!
Steve S.

Steve,
It's always nice to pay a visit to the forum. Thanks for the advice. When I tear down the lower a-arms to replace the bushings I may do the pads as well. They're fairly cheap and I'll have the car up in the air so why not?

-Bill
Bill Mertz

Bill-
Ah, the "Might-As-Wells" have struck again!
Steve S.

Bill,

Having the front suspension off already is the ideal time to change them, because you won't see or go near them again for years afterwards.

Paul K

I have a bit of a problem with some poly bushes. They don't take to torqueing up, they just squeeze out like a bar of soap in the bath!!! I replaced my X member ones with good old rubber ones so that I could torque the bolts up.
Allan

This thread was discussed between 29/01/2008 and 03/02/2008

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