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MG MGB Technical - recon shock asorber tick

Having taken some years stripping and completely rebuilding my 73 chrome bumper mgb roadster I was unhappy to find after a years driving my rear shoch behind driver is possibly given up.rear shocks have no more than 2000 miles since originals traded in at mg Swaversey.After enduring a few potholes at 40-50mph in the winter snow and ice the shock in question started a "tick tick' over traffic bumps and within two days this has evolved to a metalic "tock tock,. Have checked fluid level and sign of seapage,everything appears okay;but when pushing up and down on the chassis behind driver there is that faintest of ticks.I believe the only sure way to test is to remove and feel possble pressure return on arm.Suggestions would be useful,because I am not 100%.Also living in Holland these thing are very expensive to keep replacing new and I cannot time and money keep rushing over to Cambridge for trade ins.I though that I read in one of my members mags years ago of a possible conversion to tele-scop absorbers (Koni?) and would als like to hear any feedback on these ,poss.cost and tech differculty ;Also would they be available through the club
I.G.F. Provo

Are you certain the mounting bolts are tight? They can get loose and give that symptom, if I "hear" you correctly. Sounds don't travel well in emails. Try retightening the bolts, or undo the shock and find out if the sound is still there. It is possible for there to be a problem internally, but less likely than other things. Peter
Peter Caldwell

I had a pair of Spax rear shokers fitted and had a continual knocking from one which I proved after tremoving it and driving the car. I have since changed to a pair of updated lever arms and have silence once again. Quite frankly teles on the rear are a bad idea as they are too hard even on the softest setting and tend to make the rear of this light car jump over a rough surface when cornering. This coupled with the noise was completely unacceptable.
Iain MacKintosh

thanks Peter for the quick responce.I'll do just that; and if neccessary remove arm from suspension before doing the bounce.I had never heard of Shocker loosening before.so thanks and that will whatever the outcome remainon on my check list.I repost when checked
I.G.F. Provo

I had this.

It was a loose shock link nut (the one at the spring mount plate).


Daniel Wong

Since Peter won't toot his own horn on the BBS, I'll do it for him. If the shock turns out to be bad, it would probably worth the shipping cost to send it to him for restoration (rebuild is too bland a word for Peter's work), you will get back a shock that will last close to a lifetime. Cheers - Dave
David DuBois

Could be a number of points in the shock. As Daniel noted, could be a loose link at the mounting plate or the unit is loose at the body as Peter noted. It's a little tricky to tighten the link up and get hold of the back of the bolt between the "ball" and the nut. Also, the rubber shim at the "knee" can wear out and cause the same symptom.
Rick Penland

Thanks everyone for all your resonses,quite unbelievable.The prise goes to Peter,you were spot on the mark,I have just come in from a whole afternoon checking and double checking.The torque setting on the shock to bulkhead in question was a fraction off.Although first having tried by the bal to spring plate with no effect,however this was also in need of a very small tweek; and subsequently slowed down my anticipated journey for a new set tomorrow after having found first thing today fluid damparound unit.Having dried it off yesterday after a futile attempt to add to an already ful pot.Nonethe less I percerveerd, road wheels off and with some to do managed to get a socket and wrench on the main retaining bolts inside and a big means buisness torque wrench in the wheel arch. Bingo!no more tick and the extra give on bouncing has gone.Checked opposite side and found similar but not to such extent. Also found my battery clamp side of suspect shock had been completely dislodged and i know this had been good before hitting dat pothole in ice and snow (slip road to motorway)Any future heavy assaults will trigger automatic torque control under!Thanks again everyone
Rangerprovo

This thread was discussed between 02/02/2010 and 03/02/2010

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