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MG TD TF 1500 - shaft seals for Armstrong shock absorbers

Hi all
Has anybody replaced the leaky shaft seals on the front shocks with a modern lip seal or seals.If so has anybody got the dimensions or a type or number of the seal
Regards John
J A Davies

John,
Pity you don't have Girlings or I could have helped. I have never repaired a T series Armstrong shock-only Girlings.
Regards
Declan
D Burns

Hi John,

I did this job on the shocks from my TF and recently responded to a similar request on this site. If you have leaks the seals will have degraded but almost certainly the shaft will be eroded where the seal runs. I suspect some rebuilders simply fit new seals and the leaks start again within weeks. I found in my tool box a cutter used to sink the holes for hinges in kitchen cabinets. There are two sizes and the smaller one is a perfect size for bore for the seal. I used this to drop the seal by about 1/8" so the lip ran on a new part of the shaft. There is no need to use any clamping devices since the cutter can run in the existing bore. I bought seals from BSL Brammer and they cost pence. Unfortunately I didn't note the sizes but even though the O/Ds are the same the shaft is stepped and the I/Ds differ. If you do dismantle your units centre pop all the leavers and shaft so you can put them back in the same place. If you need a cutter and can't find one at Screwfix give me a call and I will dig mine out and send it to you.

Jan T

0141 956 4030
J Targosz

Declan Many thanks
Jan I will start to strip out the shocks ASAP Many thanks for the advice
John
J A Davies

Of course he's here in the US, but Peter Caldwell of World Wide Auto in Madison Wisconsin, rebuilds the whole unit including the shafts and inserts brass bushings in the housing. He does first class work at a reasonable price. He did my two front Armstrong's and they are better than new. His turnaround time is quick also, but then again, that's here. PJ
Paul Jennings

Peter has, I believe, a patented seal that he uses for the rebuilds. It and the quality of work provide an excellent, leak free, shock.
Bruce Cunha

John,Jan,
Re-locating the seal is an excellent idea. There is also the possibility to fit SKF speedi sleeves. They come in various sizes but the bore will require machining.
Here's a drawing of one I did for an Austin Healey 3000.
I would try Jan's method first but maybe you are lucky and the shaft is not damaged.
On the Girling TD front dampers I fit two seals on each side.

Regards
Declan

D Burns

Paul and Bruce I will talk to Peter as a last Resort But I fear the cost of shipping


Declan Thanks again Can I Print same Its your drawing??

Regards to all John
J A Davies

John,
No problem-print away!

Regards
Declan
D Burns

I was at Stoneleigh at the weekend and spoke to a guy who restores shocks, they are in Birmingham try www.stevsonmotors.co.uk He quoted around £45-£85 each depending whether they were Girling or Armstrong, front or rear
Eddie
E I Buckley

I had mine done by Stevson some time ago. They leaked shortly afterwards. Not impressed.
IW Martin

Before attempting them myself, I had shocks repaired from Raj Patel who has a company in Leicester called "Recon and Return". Not cheap mainly due to exorbitant UK postage costs but good and they never leaked. Raj is a very nice guy to deal with.

Regards
Declan
D Burns

Eddie and I W Martin, thanks for the info.
Declan Raj Patel is the recommended company of the MGCC I have rung him and his answerphone says they are shut until end of March,again thanks for the info,
Regards John,
J A Davies

If you are paying to have your shocks reconditioned ask what they will do about scored and corroded shafts. I believe new shafts are now unobtainable and most of the used ones are suspect. Speedy sleaves or hard chromium plating could work but would probably cost more than the price being quoted for the full rebuild.

Jan T
J Targosz

Jan T I think the first thing I have got to do is to get them off the car and give them a very close inspection and then make some choices then,ie, Can I do

this myself ( my preferred option ) or do I outsource to others.
John
J A Davies

This thread was discussed between 21/02/2017 and 24/02/2017

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