MG MGB and MGB GT Tech Talk
Now that I have both rebound straps replaced I'm wondering why one has tension and the other seems to have a lot less. Is caused by the rear shocks, that are original and might need work/replacement? I know this will probably have the car sitting on an angle, when I get her off the jack stands. Any thoughts?
One leaf spring could be sagging more than the other one.
Shawn
Just replaced both leaf springs. Hope there wasn't a quality control issue with them, got them from Moss. Replaced the U-bolts, and the pads and bushings. Is there a torque setting for the U-bolt nuts? Maybe one side isn't tight enough?
Normally you just tighten the u-bolts until they won't tighten any more. The compression of the rubber bushing keeps things in check.
The symptom you describe (one strap tight, while the other is loose) wouldn't cause the car to sit lop-sided. Not that it won't, once you put it back on the ground, but this wouldn't be the cause.
Are the springs installed the same on each side? The rear shackle is supposed to have a little dogleg look to it, if installed properly. One may be aligned differently than the other.
those are pretty low quality hardware items...but quite adequate for the job. I suggest you don't get too fancy with tightening or you'll likely break something. if you replaced the pads at the same time (should have!) you should be able to eyeball that they are about the same.
Yeah, I did mine too not too long ago. Both were from Moss and they were pretty even in height. I've heard that there can be variances between pairs of leaf springs and that the taller of the two (if there's one) should be installed on the driver's side since there is more weight on that side most of the time. Maybe one rebound strap is slightly shorter than the other. Maybe with the car on the ground you could measure from the ground to the chrome strip on both sides to see if they measure out the same. Good luck! :D
Shawn
Do not tighted the bushings on the leaf springs till the car is off the jack and settled. If you tighten them while on the jacks it's possible to get a lopsided effect. Don't ask how I know. My first rebuild this happened. In fact there's a reminder for me on my white board in the shop to tighten the bushings on my GT.
The you have the car jacked up will effect this problem. Is the car elevated evenly in the rear on both sides? is there in even tension on the rear springs?
Those are extremely good looking straps! The person who made them must be very pleased. he has had several photos posted recently with his straps. blue would match my car!
SAFETY FASTER!
Kelly, you should check the link in my signature... I'm sure you could get some straps there. ;)
Thanks Rusty, they would be my item of choice if i did not have a decent set of 5-6 your old ones and a spare set. i must have purchased these before they "went to pot". same way on many parts i have. i bought 2 so i did not break the 1st one.. thanks for info and your product looks great and no ones has any negative comments.
SAFETY FASTER!