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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 MG Y Type - YA front shock absorbers

Following the rebuild of my YA (Y7012 UMG422) I was unhappy with the wallowing front end, so I bought a set of exchange shock absorberes from NTG. After about 2000 miles use, the front end is even more boat-like. A recommended supplier/reconditioner would be appreciated, or is this normal performance?
David Mitchell-Gogay.
david Mitchell-Gogay

It is not normal. Having good shocks makes a significant difference to handling. From what you describe I think you got ones that are defective and I would go back to NTG for replacements. Failing that go to the recent thread on rear shocks and contact the people I talked to at Beaulieu last Sept who said they can rebuild Y type shocks. Terry
Terry O'Brien

David,
From my own experience one can buy "exchange" items and "rebuilt" units. There is a world of difference!!.
It always pays to have these units properly "rebuilt" if they are unseviceable as many "exchange" units have only been, shotblast, repainted and the oil changed.
I have used on several occations and not just for Y type shox, a firm called "Stevson Motors", in Birmingham. As far as I am concerened, they really know what they are doing and will carry out a thorough rebuild of your units at what I see as a realistic cost for a "proper job".They visit several of the shows, but give them a call on 0121 472 1702.
Perhaps you would post your feedback in due course to help other Y type owners.
Hope this helps,
Keith
Keith D Herkes

My Y (Y/5710) Has a extra set of shock absorberes on the bottom wishbone.They look like the rear ones but slightly larger and they are on the wishbone with the link on to the front chassis extension.They must have been put on in the 50s as the car had been off the road since 1959.John
John Arkley

John: You might have TC shocks added. If so they can be worth US$ 6-800 and that will cover the cost of rebuilding the original shocks by at least three times. The originals in good shape work well and are all you need. Terry
Terry O'Brien

Thanks for all the comments. I'll note Stevson for future reference. However, I phoned NTG who were very helpful and sent a replacement set free of charge. I fitted them on Friday (17th). The defective ones were awful - about 2 inches of no resistance on one and the other not much better. The 'new' ones work as intended. It remains to be seen for how long . . . off to North Wales next week in the Y.
They are a pain to fit, though.
David M-G.
David Mitchell-Gogay

Sounds to me that they had an air-lock when filled up with oil. I use motorcycle fork oil, and operate the arm to ensure the oil gets into all the hollows and gaps. With the cap off one can see the air bubbles rising out of the oil. Free movement is usually because they have air inside.

Later TF ones will fit, though they look very different, like small MGA/MGB Armstrong type.

Neil.
Neil Cairns

This thread was discussed between 01/08/2002 and 15/09/2002

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