I've got a saggy bottom!

[The Red Baron]

1973 MGB roadster.

One rear corner is a bit lower than the other. I'd appreciate any suggestions as to why and how to fix it.

I suspect it's an old shock absorber that needs replacing, but looking through the Haynes manual it suggests the shock abosorbers can be 'topped up' with the right fluid.

Given I've had the car 15 years and not changed them before (they are possibly original), I'm guessing changing them is the best option - provided that is the cause of the droopy corner. What else could it be?

If anyone knows the best place to get replacements I'd also appreciate that info. Moss don't have any in stock.

Thanks in advance.

[nta16]

might not be the damper that's causing it, it might be spring or fixings to either spring or damper or could be that the opposite end or side is actually higher making the other look lower

if it's the damper it could be a seized arm or slipped fixing point(s)

if it's damper fluid or seized arm you might be able to tell by getting that corner of the car to bounce when you push it down and release and comparing the result to when you do the same on the other side

generally reconditioned dampers are of very hit and miss quality and can wear again very soon - you can get new I think (but might be wrong) or get much better quality reconditioned ones from an American company

changing the fluid in (both or all four) dampers might help, generally you should change worn suspension and bake parts in their pairs so that they are evenly matched (well as much as their manufacture quality allows)

Edited by nta16 on Monday 2nd February 23:00

[Geordie MGmike]

The Red Baron said:

One rear corner is a bit lower than the other.

You don't say which corner but I'm guessing the drivers side?
This is most likely caused by a spring that's gone a bit soft. As nta says, check the mounting points and the bushes for wear and corrosion before replacing the springs.

[PositronicRay]

Geordie MGmike said:

The Red Baron said:

One rear corner is a bit lower than the other.

You don't say which corner but I'm guessing the drivers side?
This is most likely caused by a spring that's gone a bit soft. As nta says, check the mounting points and the bushes for wear and corrosion before replacing the springs.

Try swapping springs side to side. I had this on a Midget, turned out to be the front causing the issue (although I was convinced it was the back)

[CrutyRammers]

Mine had a similar problem and it was a failed damper. They are easier to change than springs and not expensive for exchange recon units, so personally I'd try that before messing around with springs. But then I hate springs.

[The Red Baron]

Thanks for the advice and tips. It is the driver's side and definitely the rear, which is down about an inch or so compared to the other side.

I haven't had the chance to inspect it yet, but am hoping it is a damper rather than springs. I've 'refreshed' tired springs before although nearly 30 years ago, on a previous 'B', but I still remember it as being a pain.

[PositronicRay]

If you've got the original style lever arm dampers, just disconnect the drop links to see what difference it makes.

[nta16]

another case of the simplest idea probably being best - I'd second that

[nta16]

a bit more info on LA dampers I've seen on the MG BBS forum

one poster put -
“The 'new' lever arm dampers are made here :- http://scp-uk.com/index.html

I understand the factory is "well connected" with Moss, so you buy new LA dampers and they come from Moss.

I have just ordered four MGB LA dampers off Stevson Motors - he will buy, strip and rebuild the damper and supply to me with the bits needed to modify the damper rates as I'm fitting them to a kit car, so it will cost me more than new LA dampers, but hopefully be better, we'll see !!”

another put –
“getting good quality LA shock absorbers is easy, You just need to know the right Source: I have never heard a bad comment about these guys.

http://www.nosimport.com“

this is the USA company I was thinking of that do good quality recon/”rebuilt better than new”/”remanufactured”