MG-Cars.net

Welcome to our resource for MG Car Information.

Recommendations

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 MGA - Rear shocks - something to worry about?

I was under the car yesterday and noticed that the rear shock absorber arm, at the end where the link arm is bolted to it, has made a dent in the body panelling directly above it. It has occured on both sides, although the driver side is worse.

The damage suggests excessive upward movement. Is this normal or is something wrong? My rear shocks seem to pass the 'bounce test'. I also noticed the driver side retainer strap was badly split, although this is there to stop excessive downward movement so not the cause, but may be a symtom.

BTW, car has only done about 3,000 miles since a good quality rebuild, although that was 15 years ago.

Thanks, Peter
P Wright

Sounds as though the links are too long - possible that you have the wrong ones fitted?
Cam Cunningham

Peter
Where exactly is the damage to the body panel? If MGB shocks were fitted by mistake at some point in the past the arm will hit the bottom of the trunck.

Kris Sorensen

I seem to recall that although MGA and MGB shock absorbers look similar, there is a difference in the angle at which the arm is cranked.

If the MGB shock's are fitted on an MGA they may well come into contact with the boot floor.

Works cars had part of the boot floor removed to allow fitment of alternative shock's.
J Bray

Sounds like I need to check whether I have B shocks fitted. Thanks guys.
P Wright

Peter, there is an Armstrong part number stamped on the lower edge of the mounting flange. For an MGA, there number should be 6066 LH or RH. If the number is 8178, 12075, 12025, they are for an MGB, and would be a problem. In addition to the swing being too high, the bend of the arm is away from the plane with the spring plate, and thus twists the link too much.

Peter C.
Peter Caldwell

Peter C

Thanks for the very helpful info on the part numbers. I checked them today and yes they are B shocks!

Regards, Peter
P Wright

This thread was discussed between 05/05/2008 and 11/05/2008

MG MGA index

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