New rear springs

[Chris Edgar]

Replaced the rear springs on the Convertible today...not too technically demanding but VERY physical!

The old ones I took off were just touching the chassis sections at the back shackle points & I can really feel the improvement now.
Interestingly, the old ones were 7 leaf, which I thought were only fitted to LCVs & Travellers....so had they been fitted by someone along the way or were they ever fitted to saloons?

[mike.perry]

The original rear leaf springs were 7 leaf 5/32 in. The later leaf springs were 5 leaf 1/4 in. The 7 leaf springs on the traveller were the same leaf thickness as the 5 leaf but with 2 extra springs.
Fitting traveller springs to early cars is a common mistake, it jacks the back end up and spoils the ride and handling. If the original springs need replacing it is better to replace them with 5 leaf springs

[Chris Edgar]

Thanks for that info., Mike.
So they may have been original...

I replaced using 5 leaf springs.


regards
Chris

[bmcecosse]

Hope you used polyurethane bushes - and took the chance to drain the dampers and refill with SAE 30 oil ?!

[Chris Edgar]

Yes, I have, in answer to both points.

Worth checking the dampers again in the near future. I found some time ago, soon after I had filled the front dampers with SAE 30 oil one side began to leak & had to be replaced.
I presumed that the higher pressure developed by the more viscous oil had proved to be the last straw for a weak seal.

[Mog-nuts]

Where did you source the SAE 30 engine oil from ?

Cant seem to find any anywhere for love or money !

[bmcecosse]

Tesco garden section - lawnmower oil. Or a motorcycle place ?

[Mog-nuts]

Thanks for that Roy. Tried Tescos without any luck but will try motorbike suppliers now.

[Chris Edgar]

Got mine from B & Q, gardening section.

Local M/C dealers had nothing like that.

[bmcecosse]

At the Classic shows - the M/C stands usually have cans of SAE 30 , 40 etc for sale. I assumed the shops would have it too!