MG-Cars.info

Welcome to our Site for MG, Triumph and Austin-Healey Car Information.

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 TD TF 1500 - Rear springs during a camping trip

Hi Friends, when I go on long weekend I have my personal luggage in the luggage box behind the seats. On top I have my camping equipment on the rear luggage rack. In addition two passengers; one 85kg sitting in the driver’s seat and my wife 55kg in the passenger seat.
No issue if the street surface is even and smooth but if there is some bumps on it the rear suspension becomes weak and the rear axle touch the rebound rubber.
My questions:
How can I check the functionality of the spring set?
How to check the Damper?
How can I reinforce the rear spring or suspension?
Thank you
Guenter
GK Guenter

Guenter,
When we go on a trip, we also have luggage in the boot, a large Rubber Maid box on the (low) rack, and a bunch of spares,,,AND, we were using the original , tired, weakened springs. We used to bottom out on bumpy roads as you are explaining,,,
New springs solved that problem,,,and the ride is much more stable,, IMHO, having springs re arched doesn't really work for a long term solution,,,
STEVE WINCZE

Guenter,
Also, new bushings were installed,, and some the spares are relatively heavy in the side curtain compartment,, like an axle,,
STEVE WINCZE

where to get good Quality springs?
How to find out if they are good or poor?
Guenter
GK Guenter

They were from MOSS,,, but I installed them over 15 years ago,,, I do not have any experience with the new springs offered by Moss,,, If I had to do it today, I would first check with Bob Seymour (sp?) at Abingdon Spares,,

SPW
STEVE WINCZE

I'm not an expert, but a I went thru this:-

1 Check the oil level in the dampers,
2 You can check the dampers by taking one off and pushing the lever arm up and down it should move up and down smoothly with FIRM pressure on the lever arm,

However it sounds more like a spring problem to me. I have new springs and unladen the springs are almost flat, the centre of the spring is a little closer to the ground than the ends but not much.

I should try loading the car and check the arch of the springs. If the centre point is further from the ground than the ends of the springs, i.e. it arches upwards you have probably found the probelm.

The solution is either to get new springs, I got mine from Moss, they seem ok, or to get the old springs re-arched and tempered. If they are original springs, with the benefit of hindsight I would get them re-arched.

AJ
A R Jones

Guenter,

Before buying new springs you can check the free camber on you old ones. the workshop manual gives a dimension of 4.1 inches (10.4 cm) I did this on mine and they checked out OK. This is not a complete check, for a full test you will also need to load the spring to 500 pounds and check that there is a positive camber of 0.5 inches.
Here is a link on how to check the camber, it applies to an MGA spring so just use the 4.1 value given in the TD WSM.

http://mgaguru.com/mgtech/suspensn/rs105.htm

John
J Scragg

Me thinks this is not a TD/TF related question? I guessed that by the statement that Guenter has TWO passengers.

But an interesting and relevant discussion for TD/TF owners none the less.
Chris Couper

Me thinks Gunther is counting the driver as a passenger - tehnically correct but perhaps not standard usage. I suspect Gunther checks in at about 85kg.

Jud
J K Chapin

Thank you JK, your are right.
I talk about me and my wife as the passengers but I'm at the same time the Driver.
Guenter
GK Guenter

I had this problem too Guenter. I looked into both re arching and tempering my original springs and replacing the spring pads. I was quite interested to save the originals if possible, but what I learned is that the re arching will restore the original shape and performance, but it does not last. I finally decided to replace the springs (lbcar co - moss) and the bottoming out has gone away (mine would do so with just a driver and no luggage). I suggest new springs and bushes and you will solve the problem.

Alex
Alex Waugh

Ah. Double dipping as passenger and driver ...

For camping with the T series here is the answer. No worries about bottoming out the springs and how much stuff your spouse is packing.

These were available from Montgomery Wards in the late 50's and early 60's. There is another photo of the same type of trailer here:

http://www.mg-cars.org.uk/mgtd/Pictures/Photos/mg_trailer_fixed.jpg



Chris Couper

Motorcycle trailer - probably can find a fiberglass one that looks like a TD (or like a broken down Caddy being towed by a smirking TD).

Jud
J K Chapin

I have had my springs re-set. Yes, I can still bottom out but you soon learn when to brake. The rebound rubbers will take a lot of punishment. Do not forget to check the U bolts are tight.
A photo from my Around Australia trip.

Matthew.

M Magilton

Matthew,

Can you post the one with your wife (i assume) sitting in the car next to the big kangaroo sign with the trailer on the back? I have seen it a few time and it is one of my favorites!

Alex
Alex Waugh

This one?
Sorry about the poor focus.
Heading west to the Nullarbor Plain.
Yes, my wife.

Matthew.

M Magilton

Yep... That's the one. I love that picture. Any details on the frailty and hitch set up? I've always considered doing something like that for my TF.
Alex Waugh

Wow. Wires on the trailer. Top shelf :-)
Chris Couper

Matt,

That was supposed to be trailer, not frailty.
Alex Waugh

The trailer was purchased by the first owner of my TF from another guy who built it for his TF. Mostly hardwood chassis and draw bar over a welded-up TC front axle and springs. The hitch is home made and bolts onto the ends of the chassis (can supply pics and a sketch). Tows very nicely.
Warburton (Central Australia) is a long way from anywhere.

Matthew.

M Magilton

This thread was discussed between 10/03/2014 and 13/03/2014

MG TD TF 1500 index

This thread is from the archives. Join this live forum now