MGB & GT Forum

Hello, I want to change the fluid in the Shock Absorbers in the Rear. I found the Fill Cap under the Carpet but I was thinking maybe I should remove the Shock Absorbers to clean them out and put new fluid in them.

The Question, I have the Rear of my 1974.5 MGB GT on ramps. Can I just unbolt the shock absorbers? Is there pressure on them?

Unbolt from the body, and take the nut off the link that’s “beside” the leaf-spring pack.

There’s no weight/pressure on them

Yes, you can unbolt & remove them - they are not under any pressure.

The link mount to the bottom bracket is usually the most difficult to undo. Apply some penetrating oil to the nut daily for 3 - 5 days (Kroil or PB Blaster, not WD40).

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Eric Russell ~ Mebane, NC
1961 MGA #61, 1̶9̶8̶1̶ ̶A̶l̶f̶a̶ ̶R̶o̶m̶e̶o̶ ̶G̶T̶V̶6̶, 1984 Alfa Romeo Spider, 1991 Honda ST1100

Thank you so much Randy! I looked through alot of forums and no one talked about the pressure.

Thank you sir! Is ok to just unbolt from the Arm?

That’s a taper-fit, and can be more trouble__and risk__than it’s worth.

Thank you Guys So Much! I’ll hopefully get them off while I still have sun light. Flush them, clean them up tonight and install them back tomorrow.the rear ride was comfortable, saw some fluid on the absorber and heard a cluck noise when hitting a bump.

If they are leaking I'd suggest buying rebuilt shocks from World Wide Auto (Peter Caldwell). Better than new. I've never heard of a dissatisfied customer.

https://www.nosimport.com/british-cars-nos-parts/British-bmc-austin-mg-morris/mgb-parts

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Eric Russell ~ Mebane, NC
1961 MGA #61, 1̶9̶8̶1̶ ̶A̶l̶f̶a̶ ̶R̶o̶m̶e̶o̶ ̶G̶T̶V̶6̶, 1984 Alfa Romeo Spider, 1991 Honda ST1100

Very easy to do as you propose. However, be prepared for surprises like leaking shocks. If you take them out, carefully open them, clean the dirt inside, and fill with Motul 20 W.Hope for the best .

I finally got them out. The 2 nuts holding the shock absorbers on were the worst! Had to hold the bolt to turn the nut….
I’m going to replace all nuts, washers and lock washers. The Bolts will be fine after I put them in my ultrasonic with WD40.

What’s your suggestion for cleaning them?



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2024-04-12 07:53 PM by TYRO2004.

Thank you, how would you Clean them?

I purchased Lucas 15wt Fork Oil. Is that alright?

Any other tips guys? I’m very excited for this one. I usually don’t do suspension work. But I’m starting to get more comfortable after doing the Front Sway Bar Bushings.

Fork oil is appropriate. 15W should be fine.


GMc

In addition to cleaning the visible outside of these units , one must carefully open the top lid by removing the screws and with the aid of a thin knife make certain that the integrity of the cork gasket is saved.
Inside you will find crud and dirt. Clean carefully with parts cleaner. Do not immerse because that may damage the seals.
The next step is placing the unit in a vise , add fork oil and move the arm slowly back and forth to lubricate and bleed out all air . As you do this , you will feel the shock gaining pressure. Once all air is out , refit the cover with the gasket and fill up the shock up.
Also you must remove the valve on the side before starting the procedure. Clean it up with parts cleaner and place it back.
If the shaft seal is in good shape , you will end up with a working shock. If not , it will leak and if that is the case the options are a new shock or send it to a rebuilder for new seals.
If the units were totally dry when opened, a failed seal is to be suspected. Call if you have doubts.

Rule of thumb, and actually worlwide will tell you... if not leaking dont go opening them up. But do as you wish.

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'learn from the experts, you won't live long enough to figure it all out..."

So I opened them up, dumped out what was in there ( which maybe 4oz) it was all sparkly and gross. So I flushed it out a few times with the Fork Oil.

While filling up with the new fluid, there is much more pressure than when I took them off! Wow!

Picture is when I flushed it out with New Fork Oil.

I’ll update more as I go. Thank you guys so much!



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2024-04-13 04:18 PM by TYRO2004.