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MG MGF Technical - Shock Absorbers AVO

Hi all

Have just been looking at my shiny new shocks. Have decided to go for the AVO adjustable ones with the powerflex bushes .
I have just fitted the powerflex bushes in the bottom end of the shock . Alot of patients needed but managed ok .
Am looking to do the work next monday with a day off work to do it . Just hope the weather holds out ! some of us do not have the luxury of working in a garage.

I was looking at the powerflex bushes on the top end and am getting concerned that there is not enough thread on the top end of the shock to pick up the nut . The AVO rubber bushes supplied with a smaller dia than that of the powerflex. What has anyone else done to these bushes to make them fit ? Can they be adjusted to fit in the AVO top end washers ?

Has anyone else fitted the AVO Shocks?

Regards
jonathan
JR LEE

Just to bring it up to the top again but would like to here from anyone who has fitted AVO shocks with powerflex bushes? I have read that i should start with +10 clicks rear +5 front as a set up start point. has anyone got anty advice?

regards
jonathan
JR LEE

Cant comment on the Avo Shocks!, but what has been reported on these boards (And advice in the Moss catalogue), is that if you are fitting up-rated shocks then the rear mounts need extra reinforcing plates welding on as the stiffer shock puts extra pressure on the original mounts, and some have failed!!.......... causing big repair bills!! :o(
Mark.L

Hi Jonathan,

Give Powerflex a call, I recently found them very helpful. Possible the shape of the AVO washers is slightly different, or possible the thread is slightly shorter on the AVOs, sure they'll have a solution. Probably find one or two Cup racers have used that combination.

How many clicks make up the full range on the AVOs? Try turning the adjuster up to maximum before fitting, then you'll be able to lower the car's weight onto it which will begin the compression of the bushes. Worth checking the torques Powerflex recommend, which is likely to be much higher than the MGR figure.
Mike Hankin

Given the sensitivity of cars to incorrect settings of dampers I would get techspeed to help out with the selection and setting of shockers.

might save embarassment or disappointment
Neil

Thanks all for the feedback!

all dampers now fitted !
got my mate at the garage to do it in the end!!!!
he was able to get the thread and bushes compressed ok
still awaiting e-mail for exact tourque settings
I am running +10 rear +5 front .....feels alot stiffer ...will experiment a little myself first i think!
maybe a little coarse for road use ?
i will have to get my tracking and geometry checked.....what do you recomend for the rear Mike?

where is the best place to get the figures?

regards
jonathan


JR LEE

Hi Jonathan,

I'm a fan of dead parallel rears with a tiny amount of toe in at the front, but that setup without a front splitter can make the front nervous in crosswinds. Having said that, the fact that the GSD2s have lasted amazingly well and worn perfectly evenly seems to suggest it suits the car. Other wise people are of the opinion it makes the car slightly tail-happy on the limit, but that's how I prefer it ;o)

Workshop Manual settings for the OE rubber bushes are 37Nm for the top mounting, 45Nm for the bottom, but poly bushes often work better (and last longer) with a slightly higher torque.
Mike Hankin

Hi Mike
thanks for that
yes the torques have been done tighter than that stated in the manual....40nm tops and bot stayed the same.

This is only what the guy said at the garage.

Found to be a little harsh for everyday road use with those settings . have loosened them off to +8 rear +3front . The original is great on the motorways etc .. maybe harder for track.(all roads are crap down this way!)
Ive just changed them this morning . Have noticed a little uneven ware on the fronts one side more than others .
I would like to get the best tracking figures and get my tracking checked and re-set.So you sugest that Parallel rears is best ...figure for the fronts?


oh that reminds me will have to get the hydrogas checked as well!
do you knoww if brown and gammons would do that while i wait ?...if you know what i mean? i will have to phone them tommorrow!

are you going to goodwood mike?

drop us an e-mail mate!

regards
Jonathan

JR LEE

This thread was discussed between 05/12/2005 and 18/12/2005

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