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MG MG Y Type - Rear springs

YA 4616
Some time on my last outing Millie I was very upset the way the rear end was handing going around slow long turns and various irregularities of surface . The back end was all over the place and I felt very unsafe.
So decided to see what the back end doing with contemplation of adding telescopic via the “ Prior method”
Examination revealed quite rusty springs - so off they came. Very rusty.
On the bench I needed a chisel to separate and the angle pad rubbers were shot . Unsure whether to order new springs I separated all the 7 leaves , clean off rust etch primed and painted and added new interleave rubbers and angle pad rubbers and reassembled. This car had lowering blocks prob 1 -2 inches but wished to keep as seem until tested. The silent blocks seemed fine - maybe original after 75 years, but ordered replacements to have on hand in case.
I learnt the hard way, but I was aware the spring has a front and a rear. I found getting the front bolt the the bloc a real fiddle as it is nestled under a body support box section with circular finger holes - my dentist fingers managed it though .
Advice , if the body is off , that the time to do the springs , also it is known cars/people Wray there springs in an oil or wax impregnated cloth to keep out dust and grime.
Also noted on one of the rear shackles I had to use a masonry bit to remove hardened soil and road metal set like concrete on the lower side- so guess it may have contributed to lack of movement .
Also I remember my father used always be out with the oil can to lubricate the bout trailer springs to keep flexibility after dunking in sea water.
I will respond to this after all is back in place - sorry for the tirade.


CR Dickinson

Springs are looking good --should make a big difference i'd say.
Just out of interest, I went onto the International MGY Register to have a look at your car in the Y's on parade section and Millie isn't there, also no info in the data base.
It'd be good to have the car listed, even just to claim a spot and preserve a bit of ownership history if you know of Millies past-there's room for a pic or two as well
It's a freeby to list your car there---The more that are listed the better

If you go onto 'this site' below, and click on Y's on parade down the left side of the page you'll get an idea of what people say about their cars------------------------also it'd be good to get your car's details(numbers) on the database
https://www.mg-cars.org.uk/imgytr/

Cheers
willy
William Revit

There's a Facebook link up the top as well
William Revit

Hi William and Clive

I have 5 cars listed for Clive in the Database ... 3 of which are on Ys on Parade - Y/T 3921, Y 4146 and Y 6103 :).

Paul
Paul Barrow

In my experience, Lanolin Spray is the best lubricant for rear springs as it is not displaced by water like grease or oil.

My rear springs get a quick spray every 6 months as a minimum. I use a product called Lanox here in Australia, but I'm sure it would be available around the world using other branding.

It's also worth spraying the bottom of the front coil mounting with a bit of Lanox too - it's an area than can accumulate road grit & grime and you don't want the spring pan rusting out.

Safety Fast

Tony
The Classic Workshop
Black Mountain QLD
Australia
A L SLATTERY

Cheers Paul--I can't find anything on Y4616 though unless I'm doing something wrong searching--
William Revit

For those Y and YT owners here in the colonies Fluid Film makes a lanolin based spray which works well.

Ed
E. Geissler

William - that is because we do not know about 4616 ... but Clive has 4146 :) so try that LOL.

I bought my LANOX (as recommended by Tony S) on Amazon.com in the US - https://www.amazon.com/LANOX-MX4-Anti-Corrosion-Lubricant-LANOLIN/dp/B0043TAN24

Paul
Paul Barrow

Ahh that explains it then Paul--Clive has thrown me off track with the wrong number--------lol--?? Thought he had a new unknown car there---------------

""
CR Dickinson, Victoria, Australia

YA 4616
Some time on my last outing Millie I was very ups""

William Revit

This thread was discussed between 21/09/2025 and 23/09/2025

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