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MG MG Y Type - YB rear lever arm dampers (shock absorbers)

I reported back on my experiences with Stevson Motors who 'rebuilt' my Girling PVA6 rear dampers (shock absorbers) - I may have praised too soon as they have now been back and forth 3 times.[ On the last occasion one of the lever arms came off whilst I was driving the car.] I got them back again today and they are still not right. The resistance on one is about twice the other which is clearly not correct. I am begining to doubt that much has been done other than to paint them black and replace the arm that had come off as the original faults remain despite promises to put them right but a fuller report later after I have contacted them.
My question is can I fit telescopics at the back if so how or can I try something else - what are other YB owners experiences of getting their rear lever arm dampers rebuilt or replaced? I am just about fed up with taking them on and off the car and sending them back. Someone must know how to sort them out?
D MULLEN

Dave, I have noted a number of complimentary remarks about Stevson Motors in the past and been quite surprised as these do not correspond with my own experience.

My YA dampers, front and rear, were 'restored' by this company and placed into plastic bags awaiting subsequent use. A year later two of the dampers were swimming with oil in their bags. These were returned and supposedly rectified. Three months later ( again unused ), both had leaked severely. At that time I examined the rear dampers more closely to find that the link arms had been installed back to front!

At that point I gave up and sent all four to Vintage and Classic Shock Absorbers, I await their return but will provide an appraisal when appropriate.

I am aware that Derek at Stevson Motors does work for many clubs and works on Rolls Royce and similar dampers. He also supplies NTG with new and restored items.
I have visited his premises a number of times and witnessed some of his practices.

I can only presume that he is able to take advantage of the scarcity of companies offering this service.
My advice would be to avoid at all costs.

This is my personal opinion based on my own experience.
Rob King

Thanks Rob...the link below speaks volumes I think if you follow it through. Let us know how you get on with Vintage and Classic shock absorbers - do you have a phone number for them? You can e mail me off BBS if you want.
To say I am disappointed and fed up with trying to get them done properly is an understatement. If anyone else has had problems with Stevson's maybe they could post on the BBS.

http://popularclassics.forumcircle.com/viewtopic.php?t=16249&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0
D MULLEN

I have today complained to Derek at Stevson's and despite all sorts of explanations including one regarding the damper that is excessively stiff .."needs running in" and another concerning the metal washer inserted between the lever arm [that came off whilst driving the car following an earlier attempt at sorting them]and the seal next to the damper body resulting in the arm not being fully located on the splines....if this was a Girling part why is it not on both dampers...further explanations came out but I was not convinced(I received no correspondence ['must have come off during transit'] with the returned dampers by the way nor did they return the guarantee I enclosed). I have written a letter of complaint asking for a full refund.....we'll see what happens but I am not holding my breath. I refused to return them again - three goes is well enough! Time to look elsewhere. Is nothing simple?
D MULLEN

Similar problems here I'm afraid - S.G.Leslie and Sons, Melbourne (3000 kms from me in Queensland, so I can't go and see them),charged me $300 for each front and rear shocker rebuild; fronts not too bad at least going on a manual bench test, but the rears differ greatly in travel time and resistance to pressure; when I phoned for an explanation I was told that the role of the rear shocks was merely to dampen the effects of the roadsprings (true enough I suppose), and that a noticeably different rate between the two shockers was nothing to worry about. I hope I don't run my business with that attitude.
J.P. Hall

I have always used Graham and Michael (father & son) at Vintage and Classic Shock Absorbers in Sanderstead (South Croydon, Surrey). Their work is first class but I am afraid that their ‘turnaround’ leaves much to be desired. However I would rather wait and have a ‘First Class’ job.

At present the ‘turnaround is approximately six months for Girling and Luvax shock absorbers. Having said this I gave them a pair for reconditioning at the Beaulieu Autojumble last September and I hope to take delivery next month.

Vintage & Classic Shock Absorbers are on the IMGYTR list of suppliers and they can be contacted on +44 (0)208 651 5347. Stevsons are also on the same list but with the negative comments above perhaps this should be reviewed.

I think the message is that if you have plenty of time then go to Vintage & Classic, however, if you need a quick turnaround then you may need to look elsewhere.

Regards.
David Pelham

Just spoken to Graham on the phone turnaround is about 6 - 8 months at present but I will e mail him and see if I can book them in and just send them when my turn comes up to save having the car off the road for a prolonged period.
D MULLEN

I have just noticed that for some reason one of my lever arms has been replaced with another one (I was only told this when I phoned up.... my permission was not asked] - ther upshot is that the profile appears not to be the same - see photo can someone tell me if the lever arm on the YB is straight or slightly angled - needless to say I have asked for the original one back! I hope its returned.

D MULLEN

Consistent with our policy in the International MG Y Type Register of only including links to suppliers on our Links Page based solely upon member's recommendations, equally we operate a ‘two strikes and out’ policy.

Stevson Motors have now been removed from our listings
Paul Barrow

Hi Dave,

I would not be too hopefull with your (original) lever arm as Stevsons premises is much, much worse than Steptoes yard...no exaggeration...really.

I have read the thread you linked to..... I see someone says they're okay for brake pipes...well I went to get some 1/4" copper tube (YA brake and jackall)from Derek. What he provided was 6mm...I know were only talking about 0.4mm but he told me that 1/4" wasn't available anymore!

I came home and bought a roll of 1/4" from 'Wrights' on line, delivered next day.

In relation to Graham and Michael at VandCSA, I sent two complete sets to them just before Christmas, they suggested a six months wait. Last week I phoned Graham and he was finishing off my job and promised to contact me by the end of this week....so their estimate, albeit a long time, is just about bang on.

I think your idea of booking them in but not sending them till nearer the time is the best in your case.

I would lend you my second set but YA's wont fit!

Hi Paul,
Thank you for removing Stevsons from this site...I think that this is a wise move.



Rob King

Normally I refrain to 'bash' a company, especially because I came to know Mr. Stevson as a very likeable fellow when I organised events for the Dutch MGCC.

But it was the remark about Steptoes that prompted me to look in Google Maps at his address: 2A Harrow Road, Selly Oak, Birmingham, B29 7DN, UK

I spilled my coffee when I saw the picture of the building with the sign Stevson Motors.

Sorry David, but I think it will be a 'Harrowing' experience for you when you check.

Willem vd Veer

Great post Willem - I laughed my socks off, especially with the photo!
Paul Barrow

Yes, I googled the postcode as well.....I wonder when HSE factory inspector last visited it ....I must find out! Derek (works for Stevson or may be Mr Stevson I am not sure) is an amiable fellow but he does not deliver ..in that I have had the shock absorbers to and fro 3 times and one is far too stiff and one has a washer inserted between the arm and the body for no reason I can see and what's more it stops the full location of the arm on the body of the damper..plus he says he changed one of the lever arms....something wrong somewhere! I have sent a letter of complaint asking for a refund...we'll see what happens....
D MULLEN

Hi David,

You have got me worried now, I had my front shockers done by Stevson about three years ago now but have not fitted them yet. I must go and check them to see if they are still ok!!

John
J Sanderson

Hi John - it's a long time ago we first met (about 1982 I think) - hope you are OK....time flies. Let's hope you have more luck than me and some others ! Or it may just be all that was needed was cleaning and refilling and all is well but you think they have been rebuilt, hard to know what actually gets done in these places.
D MULLEN

If it's any help to anyone I spoke to Mike Green at NTG (MGbits4u) who said although they are not cheap he assures me that they offer a decent guarantee with their rebuilt lever arm dampers (they don't use Stevson he tells me)...I have no connection with them other than as a customer over the years. I have not yet decided what to do with my rear dampers - needless to say my letter of complaint to Stevson has so far gone unanswered.
D MULLEN

David

There is a pair on http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=160819301413&ssPageName=ADME:B:SS:GB:1123

Seller also has a pair of fronts too.

Please note these will only be suitable for YBs or TDs not Y/YT.

Paul
Paul Barrow

Sadly the TD and YB rear shock absorbers are not the same - the links etc are entirely different and the weight allowance on them is not the same either due to the difference in weight of TD and YB. The good news is that a pair of YB rear dampers may be available elsewhere in the near future. Thanks though Paul.
D MULLEN

Sorry yes David you are right - I didnt do my usual cross check ... just presumed! My apologies for that but glad you are getting some from somewhere. Maybe you can let Michael Long have one of your old top caps when you get sorted out and that way two of you will get sorted?

Paul
Paul Barrow

This thread was discussed between 23/05/2012 and 09/06/2012

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