MG-Cars.net

Welcome to our resource for MG 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 - Front dampers

I've noticed that the lever arms on my midget 1500 dampers have the arms secured with a castelated nut rather than a permanent staked fitting. Does that mean the seals are easy to replace? Having cleaned one the dampers thoroughly I can see it's leaking oil much too profusely and I'd like to replace ther seals if it's doable rather than buy exchange units. I remember in the 11 years I ran my Morris Minor as a daily driver I replaced the front shock on several occasions and the recon units didn't seem to be much good. Any thoughts?
Nick Nakorn

Leaking usually means that the axis of the damper does not longer fit. Replacing is better, cheaper and less time consuming. Te axle wears quicker when the distance between the lever arm and the trunnion link is not correct. (The distance before you mount the nut of the bolt of the trunnion bolt.)
Flip
Flip Brühl

Thanks Flip, I'm not sure how the distance makes any difference given that the geometry essentially like a twin wishbone system. But I can see that replacement might be better assuming a reliable supplier can be found. But as I mentioned, my experience with recon and remanufactured units has not been good. Has anyone any advice concerning either good suppliers or a DIY seal kit? I note that the exchange price from Moss looks very good but are the dampers good?
Nick Nakorn

Basically, you get what you pay for.
Dave O'Neill2

Following complaints about new shocks from members about buying new units that were faulty I tried five units at a suppliers. The five were two new and three recon. One new unit could not be moved and all the rest were poor with voids in the movement or different resistance. It was only a desktop test without any sophisticated test rigging. I declined all five.
Complaints have been from members who have bought shocks of variable resistance L & R and one quite worryingly the arm was detaching with its spindle.
Alan
www.masckent.org
Alan Anstead

Alan, many thanks; your comments explain exactly why I'm reluctant to swap my leaking but working units for some dubious replacements. But I know I'll kave to replace them at some point. Alan, have you since found a good supplier?
Nick Nakorn

This months Classics Monthly magazine has a how to on lever shock rebuilding. That's the May 2014 issue . They rebuild a Austin A40 front shocker that's the same as a Sprite/Midget.

Roy
R Mcknight

Does it tell you where to buy the new seals and bushes?
Lawrence Slater

Nick
I have a pair from Peter Caldwell of Winsconsin USA.
Alan
Alan Anstead

Actually here in the usa we have the ultimate in lever shocks

Theres a guy named peter cardwell @ worldwide auto parts that specializes in rebuilding levers... its his own kit and design and they will not leak and very cool looking...a bit priccy, but you have the exchange rate in your favor ...the good thing is they last forever (almost)

Prop

Prop and the Blackhole Midget

Well thats news... you can now get peter cardwells shocks thur peter may

Here is a great artical describing what peter cardwells shocks are and what he does to them with web links to peter cardwell and peter may

Good short read

Prop

http://www.sebringsprite.com/shockabsorbers.html
Prop and the Blackhole Midget

I have got Peter Caldwell's standard non adjustable shocks.
Alan
Alan Anstead

Alan... are those the ones that are $100 usa money.

If so ...how do they perform, are the worth it

Prop
Prop and the Blackhole Midget

Hi Prop
Peter Caldwell sent me an e-mail telling me what he does to his re-con shocks viz bearings; sleeves; seals.
Purchase was easy from UK and delivery swift.
The shocks were $99 then a returns surcharge for the old units & UK customs.
The shocks received came with instructions that transit might cause erratic action at first until the fluid found its level if the shocks had not been transported level.
On the bench they were silky smooth with no voids.
First impressions were good but the test will be longevity.
Alan
Alan Anstead

Alan

Im sure you will be happy... ive meet peter several times, just a genuinely good man

His shocks really are the bees knees

Prop

Prop and the Blackhole Midget

I'm running a set of Peter's dampers on the front of my '78, with no complaints at all. I can also vouch for him, having met him once at a tech session where he demonstrated his dampers and what goes into them. Here's a photo taken at said session:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/safety_fast/2620487032/in/set-72157605873860590/

Truly a class act!

-:G:-
Gryf Ketcherside

Re submitting gryfs link to work


http://www.flickr.com/photos/safety_fast/2620487032/in/set-72157605873860590
Prop and the Blackhole Midget

Those were some good times in your photos

I cant belive how fat I was back then.... I porker I was

Prop
Prop and the Blackhole Midget

Alan, can you remember the approximate shipping costs? I assume there was VAT on top too.
Nick Nakorn

Sorry, just noticed the Peter May (in UK) link; I'll investigate that too. Very useful info and many thanks one and all - it's appreciated.
Nick Nakorn

This thread was discussed between 31/03/2014 and 02/04/2014

MG Midget and Sprite Technical index

This thread is from the archive. The Live MG Midget and Sprite Technical BBS is active now.