Rebuilding Saggy Leaf Springs

Rebuild Those Saggy Leaf Springs

A while back i started to notice that the drivers side leaf spring on my 1970 MGB GT was developing a noticeable sag. Along with the sag, the rear springs just were not performing like they used to. Something would have to be done. Now, when I mentioned this sag problem to other MG owners on this BBS they all said time to buy new springs.

Well, needless to say I decided that I had better things to do with the $200.00 + shipping those new springs would of cost. Namely:

• One can of Metal etching primer   $5.00
• One can satin black rust-o-lium paint   $5.00
• A full set of new leaf spring bushings   $15.00
• Two lower leafs from 1980's Suzuki Samurai   $10.00
• One abrasive wheel for rust removal   $5.00
• One bottle of Castrol Super Clean De-greaser   $5.00
• Total cost:   $45.00

Before you run out and buy all this stuff it would be a good idea to make sure that your leaf springs are rebuildable.

So, the first step is to disassemble your old leaf springs.

Old MGB leaf spring removed and ready for disassembly

Be extra careful with the leaf clips that hold the leaf springs together. Try to flex the little tabs on them as few times as possible, because if they break, it's new clip time.

Make sure there are no broken or cracked leafs and that they are not too rusted. Take your Super Clean de-greaser and thoroughly clean all parts. Then get out your drill and abrasive wheel and clean off all rust.

Cleaning and degreasing individual leaves from the MGB leaf spring "pack"

De-rusting individual spring leaves with abrasive wheel on a hand drill

If it takes you more than a minute to get through to bare metal with the abrasive wheel, they may be to rusted to save.

OK, when their all cleaned and de-rusted spray them with etching primer then spray them with satin black (or whatever color you choose). Also, each leaf spring assembly will have 3 strips of plastic that go in between the larger leafs. If these strips are damaged at all they will have to be replaced. These strips are absolutely necessary for proper operation.

Now we need to dis-assemble the Samurai springs. You will need to grind off the rivets, then grind them flush with the spring. Clean, de-rust, and paint as before.

Donor leaf spring from a junkyard Suzuki Samurai (x2)

So now you should have all leafs painted and ready to re-assemble. Re-assemble the leaf spring assembly and put the center bolt through but don't put on the nut. We are going to remove the small bottom rectangular leaf and replace it with the Samurai leaf then put the nut on and tighten.

Bottom leaf in MGB leaf spring to be replaced with "helper spring" from Suzuki Samurai.

Bottom leaf in MGB leaf spring replaced with "helper spring" from Suzuki Samurai.

And that's it! Put the assembly back on the car. The sag will be gone and proper spring performance is restored. If you have any questions about this re-build just leave a comment.