Morris Minor Forum
Rebuilding suspension
Posted by drooartz
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May 17, 2018 06:25 AM
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Joined 14 years ago
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Rubber bushings are designed to give some compliance as the suspension moves. The eyebolt and upper trunnion bushings twist and with poly they allow the pin to pivot. The tie bar needs some squish which poly doesn't do well. By using rubber in the back you get the compliance but the firmer poly in the front for the braking force resistance.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2018-05-17 08:33 AM by emjay.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2018-05-17 08:33 AM by emjay.
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May 17, 2018 07:05 AM
Joined 8 years ago
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drooartz
Drew Frink
Mountains, UT, USA
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1959 Austin-Healey Bugeye Sprite "Penny"
1966 Morris Minor 1000 Saloon (4-door) "Maggie" 1970 MG MGB |
Topic Creator (OP)
May 17, 2018 06:15 PM
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Update and a new noise:
Everything is back together and I've put maybe 40 test miles on the car. Definitely feels better, and doesn't crash over the bumps anymore. Brakes feel good as well (Ford discs).
However...
A new noise has arrived. Comes and goes somewhat, but has been persistent after about the first 15 miles I drove. It's a constant pitch with somewhat varying pulsing, a woowoowoowoowoowoowoo sort of thing.
Sometimes it will stop with a quick flick of the steering wheel, and a foot on the brake will stop it as well (as long as the brakes are engaged). I'm feeling some vibration when I can hear the noise.
Thoughts?
Everything is back together and I've put maybe 40 test miles on the car. Definitely feels better, and doesn't crash over the bumps anymore. Brakes feel good as well (Ford discs).
However...
A new noise has arrived. Comes and goes somewhat, but has been persistent after about the first 15 miles I drove. It's a constant pitch with somewhat varying pulsing, a woowoowoowoowoowoowoo sort of thing.
Sometimes it will stop with a quick flick of the steering wheel, and a foot on the brake will stop it as well (as long as the brakes are engaged). I'm feeling some vibration when I can hear the noise.
Thoughts?
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May 17, 2018 07:37 PM
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Joined 14 years ago
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More ikely an issue with the brakes or possibly wheel bearings versus suspension which would not be constant and directly tied to road speed or wheel rotation. Is there a difference with a lift foot on the brake pedal? Any pulsing on the pedal? Hopefully those with Ford disc experience will have some ideas.
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May 18, 2018 01:37 AM
Joined 11 years ago
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drooartz
Drew Frink
Mountains, UT, USA
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1959 Austin-Healey Bugeye Sprite "Penny"
1966 Morris Minor 1000 Saloon (4-door) "Maggie" 1970 MG MGB |
Topic Creator (OP)
May 18, 2018 08:54 AM
Joined 17 years ago
188 Posts
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May 18, 2018 09:11 AM
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May 18, 2018 10:51 AM
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drooartz
Drew Frink
Mountains, UT, USA
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1959 Austin-Healey Bugeye Sprite "Penny"
1966 Morris Minor 1000 Saloon (4-door) "Maggie" 1970 MG MGB |
Topic Creator (OP)
May 18, 2018 08:39 PM
Joined 17 years ago
188 Posts
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The bearings seem to be set correctly (tapered bearings). Hand tight to where there is no play, then snugged up a little more and secured with the split pin -- as per the instructions.
If I put a tiny bit or pressure on the brake pedal when the sound/vibration is happening, it goes away. Left foot braking while driving and the sound stops. So now I'm wondering if the pads are vibrating somehow.
I am much more sure now that it is not a suspension issue. Going to move this discussion over to the Modified Minors section to see if anyone has experience with this Ford kit.
If I put a tiny bit or pressure on the brake pedal when the sound/vibration is happening, it goes away. Left foot braking while driving and the sound stops. So now I'm wondering if the pads are vibrating somehow.
I am much more sure now that it is not a suspension issue. Going to move this discussion over to the Modified Minors section to see if anyone has experience with this Ford kit.
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May 19, 2018 01:24 AM
Joined 11 years ago
6,030 Posts
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about 1 week and 4 days later...
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drooartz
Drew Frink
Mountains, UT, USA
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1959 Austin-Healey Bugeye Sprite "Penny"
1966 Morris Minor 1000 Saloon (4-door) "Maggie" 1970 MG MGB |
Topic Creator (OP)
May 30, 2018 09:45 PM
Joined 17 years ago
188 Posts
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Ultimately I got the old Spridget brakes back on and was able to make the tour in time. Need to take a bit of time off from the car to regain my life, then it's time to get back to the disc brake upgrade and the rear suspension.
I will say that the car rode noticeably better, even with just the front end done. No crashing over bumps, and much more controlled. I can only imagine how nice it will be once the rear is done to match.
This is the view out over Douglas Pass in Colorado.

I will say that the car rode noticeably better, even with just the front end done. No crashing over bumps, and much more controlled. I can only imagine how nice it will be once the rear is done to match.
This is the view out over Douglas Pass in Colorado.

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May 31, 2018 10:52 AM
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about 2 months and 4 days later...
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drooartz
Drew Frink
Mountains, UT, USA
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1959 Austin-Healey Bugeye Sprite "Penny"
1966 Morris Minor 1000 Saloon (4-door) "Maggie" 1970 MG MGB |
Topic Creator (OP)
Aug 3, 2018 09:28 PM
Joined 17 years ago
188 Posts
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Finally back at it! Been one of those summers.
Had some time off today so got out to the shop to work on the rear suspension. I've already got all the parts on hand so I'm hoping to get it all done this weekend. Today I got the right rear suspension apart. All came off fairly simply, other than a few struggles with the front spring hanger pin. Still, got it all apart in a couple hours. Should be able to install it all in the morning and then will tackle the other side.
All new hardware, poly bushes, and rebuilt shocks.

Had some time off today so got out to the shop to work on the rear suspension. I've already got all the parts on hand so I'm hoping to get it all done this weekend. Today I got the right rear suspension apart. All came off fairly simply, other than a few struggles with the front spring hanger pin. Still, got it all apart in a couple hours. Should be able to install it all in the morning and then will tackle the other side.
All new hardware, poly bushes, and rebuilt shocks.

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drooartz
Drew Frink
Mountains, UT, USA
Sign in to contact
1959 Austin-Healey Bugeye Sprite "Penny"
1966 Morris Minor 1000 Saloon (4-door) "Maggie" 1970 MG MGB |
Topic Creator (OP)
Aug 4, 2018 05:01 PM
Joined 17 years ago
188 Posts
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Made good progress today. RH side is installed without issue. LH side is mostly done, just need to attach the new shock. Unfortunately I needed to be able to reuse the 2 bolts that attach the shock to the mounting plate, and one of the bolts is very much buggered. So things are at a standstill until I can get a new one.
Once that's in hand I'll be able to button things up.
Once that's in hand I'll be able to button things up.
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Aug 5, 2018 01:47 AM
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