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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - Why does the axle move???

Hello all,

Just replaced the rear bushings and check straps on 75 1500. They certainly needed replacing, but did that get rid of the "groan" upon take off? No sireee! Had another look with a friend rocking the car, and lo and behold , the axle was actually moving within it's U-bolts by about 1/2" or so. I double checked the nuts holding the bolts down, and found them to be tight! Even a substantial tug wouldn't budge them. There was no evidence of any sideways (lateral ) movement, it just moved counter clock-wise (looking from the left rear wheel). A good bath of WD-40 stopped the noise, but I gotta say, I've never noticed this before. It had to be going on for years before dirt and surface corrosion caused the noise. What's up??? Thanks!

Al
ah harad

Is the axle properly located on the axle mount or whatever it's called?

It's been a long time since I had my axle off but I think there is a protrusion or something similar that sits in the spring pad. The U bolts then hold everything together as the axle should not move at all.
Clive Reddin 76 Midget

Al. I have no experience with the MG midget 1500. But, as Clive suggests, all of my experience with MGs suggests there is a locater pin which restricts the movement of the axle within the lower pan for the springs to sit in.

Thus, the amount of movement you suggest is caused by either the extension being broken off, the rubber pad being too thick, or the leaf springs allowing excessive movement.

Les
Les Bengtson

AL. The fact that you can't budge the axle U bolts sujests to me that the nuts are not tight but seized. May I reccomend that you buy yourself a NEW set of axle pads, U bolts and lock nuts and replace the lot, this will ensure you have a correctly located axle plus it'll be tight!

'Groan' gone......!

Mark.
Mark Boldry

And even when everything is properly tight, if the mounting pads are old you can sill get a lot of axle movement. Always replace the pads, they are very cheap and the old ones can look OK but in fact be stuffed.
Paul Walbran

I agree with Paul, the problem is most likely in the axle mounting pads. These are fairly soft rubber and can compress quite a bit even after the U bolts are snug. I would suggest installing the urethane pads and bushings such as the ones available from Moss. http://www.mossmotors.com/Shop/ViewProducts.aspx?PlateIndexID=64056&SortOrder=1
Those will remove most all of the movement while still giving just enough compliance.
Bill Young

Thanks all!!!Sound advice, as always. I think the issue could be the pads...they're original. Might as well just renew the whole lot, bolts, etc. As a side note, when I sanded off the original (flaking) paint from the fenders (wings), I found some plastic filler. Turns out there were some ripples in the metal during build, and the good folks at the Abingdon plant used that method to smooth them out. I wonder if my new car warranty will cover this:). I should express my indignation except that the fellows who did it are either long retired or have shed this mortal coil.

Regards,

Al
ah harad

You could consider replacing the pads with solid aluminium - no chance of any movement then.


John Collinson

John,

That's an interesting idea. Already ordered new pads. I don't have an easy method to machine the aluminum, but I can see why one would do it. I wonder if my local machine shop would consider this?

Al
ah harad

I'd be very reluctant to fit solid pads such as aluminium. The whole spring is intended to flex, and over the length of the spring pad there is quite a bit of shape change as the spring travels throughout its deflection range. If you are successful in clamping the spring rigidly at that point, you will change the characteristics and rate of the spring.
Paul Walbran

This thread was discussed between 22/04/2008 and 23/04/2008

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