74 MGB - Shock Absorber Replacement : MGB & GT Forum : The MG Experience

74 MGB - Shock Absorber Replacement #1
MagnumRT05 Richard F. Cleveland, OH, USA Sign in to contact 1974 MG MGB	Topic Creator (OP) Apr 11, 2011 02:44 PM Joined 15 years ago 52 Posts

Finally got my 74 MGB out of storage and it seems to have developed a leak on the drive home. I assume its the front shock absorber as there is mineral oil all over the ground. It seems to be coming from the arm (I have attached a photo). Please correct me if I am wrong however.

My questions are, how difficult is it to replace? And more importantly, is there anything else I should buy while I am under there (bushings/etc)? The car hasnt been driven much over the last 7+years, and I dont recall any new front suspension components over those years either.

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Re: 74 MGB - Shock Absorber Replacement #2
dickmoritz Dick Moritz Philly 'burbs, PA, USA Sign in to contact	Apr 11, 2011 02:54 PM Top Contributor Joined 16 years ago 28,123 Posts

Richard,

Indeed a leaking shock. I'd recommend that you remove both front shocks and send them off to Peter Caldwell at World Wide. You can find his contact info in the Directory on the left side of your screen, and he is a long-time and respected member of this Forum, and also pretty much the source for refurbishing lever shocks. You'll find many, many satisfied customers here on the MGE.

Might-as-wells include rebuilding king pins and replacing bushings. Some prefer stock bushings, some prefer poly. You might also replace sway bar links and bushings. Do a search and check the library for more info. All depends on how well it rides and how deeply you want to get into the front end. Unlike the rear leaf springs, front springs often do not require replacement unless there is noticeable sag in the front end.

Dick

Errabundi Saepe, Semper Certi
(Often wrong, but always certain)

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Re: 74 MGB - Shock Absorber Replacement #3
ClayJ Clay Johnston Mt. Olive, MS, USA Sign in to contact 1972 MG MGB	Apr 11, 2011 02:55 PM Top Contributor Joined 20 years ago 20,186 Posts

Richard,
Welcome to the land of "might-as-wells". This can range anywhere from replace the shock to a full front-suspension rebuild to "might-as-well" do the rear at the same time.

On the other hand, you could fill will oil periodically and use thru the driving season, repair while its snowing! As long as its not rattling or banging, probably no harm to drive it. Might check with Peter Cadwell on that suggestion.

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Re: 74 MGB - Shock Absorber Replacement #4
MagnumRT05 Richard F. Cleveland, OH, USA Sign in to contact 1974 MG MGB	Topic Creator (OP) Apr 11, 2011 09:40 PM Joined 15 years ago 52 Posts

Thanks guys. As a matter of fact, I found World Wide on ebay after posting this thread. It looks like their "improved" design is a must upgrade. I suppose I could fill the leaky shock periodically, but the darn thing is leaking pretty good and making a mess everywhere.

And I think some poly bushings will be on the list as well. Fairly inexpensive and Im sure I have some brittle ones anyway due to this climate.

Are there any special tools required for the shock install or is it straightforward? I had a Bentley manual somewhere that Im sure would tell me, but it seems to have been misplaced...

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Re: 74 MGB - Shock Absorber Replacement #5
dickmoritz Dick Moritz Philly 'burbs, PA, USA Sign in to contact	Apr 11, 2011 09:47 PM Top Contributor Joined 16 years ago 28,123 Posts

Richard,

Shocks are a bolt-on... smiling bouncing smiley

Dick

Errabundi Saepe, Semper Certi
(Often wrong, but always certain)

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Re: 74 MGB - Shock Absorber Replacement #6
MH71MGB Paul Burgess Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada Sign in to contact 1971 MG 14/28	Apr 11, 2011 10:11 PM Joined 15 years ago 115 Posts

Hi Richard
am in process of doing my bushings already purchased from Basil Adams a fellow MGE`r basiladams@yahoo.com best price and good to deal with.
Cheers
Paul

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Re: 74 MGB - Shock Absorber Replacement #7
Jim Lema Edmonds, WA, USA Sign in to contact 1967 MG MGB 1977 MG MGB	Apr 11, 2011 11:32 PM Joined 22 years ago 2,171 Posts

World Wide, great service and life time warranty. I replaced my front shocks and not a sign of a leak in four years. Easy job, just do it!

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Re: 74 MGB - Shock Absorber Replacement #8
rrmgb robert schau Ft Myers, FL, USA Sign in to contact 1973 MG MGB 1973 MG MGB	Apr 12, 2011 07:44 AM Top Contributor Joined 19 years ago 11,981 Posts

Yes the shocks are 4 bolts to remove AND
The shock link bolt to kingpin!
Support the spring pan solidly, loosen pinch bolt in shack arm, remove link bolt at end of arm (hope it comes out easily). Be careful as the stub axle/king pin will want to fall away or pivot
downward. You dont want to put stress on your brake flex line. Finally remove
4 shock mounting bolts. To replace you may have to jam a flat blade screwdriver
into the space between the shock levers where the pinch bolt goes.
RS

"It is a mistake to try to look too far ahead. The chain of destiny can only be grasped one link at a time."
Sir Winston Churchill
---------------------------------------------------------------
"It all starts in your mind's eye, then it goes to your heart
and finally to your very soul."
G.S.George PHD

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Re: 74 MGB - Shock Absorber Replacement #9
missileer79 David T Huntsville, AL, USA Sign in to contact	Nov 23, 2013 05:20 PM Joined 12 years ago 6 Posts

This message is for Robert Schau. You said in your response to removing the shock absorber, "...remove link bolt at end of arm (hope it comes out easily). Be careful as the stub axle/king pin will want to fall away or pivot
downward." Well that darned link bolt (horizontal pin on the lever arm) isn't coming out. Suggestions?

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Re: 74 MGB - Shock Absorber Replacement #10
xcoastie Eric Meissner Warminster, PA, USA Sign in to contact 1974 MG MGB	Nov 23, 2013 05:31 PM Joined 14 years ago 1,070 Posts

Unless you have an oxy/acetelyne rig to heat it, use a cut off wheel in an angle grinder and cut the nut end off then drive what remains out with a small sledgehammer and a punch/drift. Be prepared to swear a lot. Some folks go the penetrating oil route but I didn't have any luck with mine. Replacement bolts are available.

Eric - xcoastie
ET2/E5 Vessel Shore Electronic Support USCG Station Great Egg 81 - 85
1974 Last of the chrome bumpers with Sabrina's
1971 Engine
4 speed synchro, non OD
"A work in progress"

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