Hard suspension?

[Audrey1955]

Is there a way to soften the suspension at all, as when going over speed bumps, pot holes (accidently) etc, they seem to be really harsh on the car?

Apperently Ive read somewhere that the suspension is hard on a minor, but is there a way to soften this in anyway? I live on a newish estate, speed bump heaven

[bmcecosse]

The car will be sitting too low and is crashing onto the bump stops. Most folk complain that the Minor is too softly sprung - and I agree! You can cut ~ 1.5" from the rear bump stops to give some extra suspesnion travel. Do make sure the bump stops are present and correct both front and back..

[Audrey1955]

The car will be sitting too low and is crashing onto the bump stops. Most folk complain that the Minor is too softly sprung - and I agree! You can cut ~ 1.5" from the rear bump stops to give some extra suspesnion travel. Do make sure the bump stops are present and correct both front and back..

Thanks for your reply. Would the suspension have been made like this, or has something happened to it to hit the bump stops?

Im not at all car savy or technical at all, but im learning

[bmcecosse]

It will have sagged over the years - and the dampers are probably filled with horrible old thin/smelly oil - and basically not doing anything!

[Audrey1955]

It will have sagged over the years - and the dampers are probably filled with horrible old thin/smelly oil - and basically not doing anything!

Thanks bmceosse for your help, would it not be best to replace bump stops then? I dont want to risk damaging suspension

[bmcecosse]

Indeed they need to be there - but the rears can be cut down as earlier. Some also cut the fronts - but i'm not in favour of that. Raise the front suspension one spline on the torsion bars - and consider new springs perhaps for the rear. And drain the dampers and refill with SAE 40 oil. The difference will amaze you.....

[IslipMinor]

Do you have a picture of the car so that we can get an idea of what the ride height is front and rear?

Bump stops are essential, the front in particular will be a problem without them over speed bumps.

[Audrey1955]

Do you have a picture of the car so that we can get an idea of what the ride height is front and rear?

Bump stops are essential, the front in particular will be a problem without them over speed bumps.

Ill try and take one, but i doubt its been lowered in anyway. It was owned by the same family for 50 odd years as a runabout to go to church on Sunday

[IslipMinor]

Audrey,

Ours has been in the same family for almost 50 years, and goes to church occasionally, but for weddings of family and friends!

As Roy said earlier, over time the suspension sags and brings the suspension closer to the bump stops, which makes them all the more essential to be fitted.