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MG MGA - Leaking LH Front Damper

I have to replace this damper. The options seem to be exchange units from Moss or MGOC.

Does anyone have good or bad experience with exchange dampers from either of the above, please, or any comments or advice on alternative repairers or suppliers in the UK.

Thanks
Dave
Bolney Coupe

Dave,
as far as I've seen the usual suppliers recon and new dampers aren't good unless things have suddenly changed.

For UK a couple have tried Stevson Motors and reported back favourably on returned unit but not short, medium or long term running report.

Some even restore some themselves, clean, new gasket, refill with fresh oil.

For some they find it very worthwhile to get from Peter Cadwell (who used to post on the BBS) in USA and not bother returning their old unit and paying the extra "core charge".

Obviously with items on brakes and suspension you're best to do both sides at once.

Stevson Motors in UK - http://www.stevsonmotors.co.uk/Dampers.html

Peter Cadwell's in USA - http://www.nosimport.com/Lever-shocks-remanufactured/mg-a-lever-shocks/mg-mga-front-shock-absorber-rebuilt-by-world-wide-nosimport-better-than-new
Nigel Atkins

Have you thought about Brown & Gammons?

New
https://www.ukmgparts.com/product/mga-midcat-9-submga25-front-suspension/frt-shock-new-repro-mga-ahh4004b

Recon
https://www.ukmgparts.com/product/mga-midcat-9-submga25-front-suspension/recon-front-s-absorber-mga-sur100-ahh4004
Dave O'Neill 2

I've no idea about these parts from B&G but I've had poor quality parts from B&G (ukmgparts) and had to return them, as I have with all the usual suppliers and a sole parts manufacturer/supplier.
Nigel Atkins

Dave
I used Stevson a few months ago to refurbish all four which were either leaking or not very effective or both. The dampers came back promptly and certainly work effectively now and show no signs of leakage. So I am happy with them and only time will tell. One interesting thing was that he said he gives a 15% increase in the resistance setting. A great advantage of Stevson’s service is it’s just a UK courier rather than to the USA for Caldwell.
I hope that helps.
Bruce.
Bruce Mayo

Many thanks to all respondents for their input.

Just before heading off to Florida on holiday I took the plunge and ordered a replacement from Peter Caldwell for delivery to my holiday address and shipped it back to UK.

It’s a trade off really between a premium product and a £40 fix.

Cheers

Dave
Bolney Coupe

Just the one?
Dave O'Neill 2

I recommend Peter Caldwell. Got excellent service for my front dampers.
Tom Heath

Dave
I took my lead from Barney’s FS-207 where he talks about repairing or replacing just the one defective damper, not both.
However, I were going racing I probably would change both of them.
In changing the damper I was very glad that I had previously switched from studs to set bolts for holding down the damper.
Cheers
Dave
Bolney Coupe

This thread was discussed between 27/09/2019 and 19/10/2019

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This thread is from the archive. The Live MG MGA BBS is active now.