New rear spring quality?

[RobThomas]

Has anyone recently bought some new 5-leaf saloon springs? ESM or Bull Motif? Any good?

These ones (original 7-leaf thin ones from an MM) have cut into each other and have become so flexible that they allow the axle to rotate if you rock the car back and forth. The little clamps are also past it. Lots of tramp in 1st and reverse gear.

Thanks.

[bmcecosse]

Apart from the springs - if the axle rotates I would worry more about the condition of the perches on the axle. There was an issue with spring quality a while back - but not much mention now. Some prefer to fit the Traveller 7 leaf spring (it's much better at resisting axle tramp) - with the top leaf left off or on as you prefer. Good time to fit new bump stops too, and of course polyurethane bushes all round.

[RobThomas]

Anyone?

[bmcecosse]

Well I did give you a comprehensive answer - but if you choose not to read it........

[les]

Where the springs bolt down to the axle perches there can be no movement if the U bolts are tightened. So if the axle moves its difficult to see it being other than broken perches. Regarding new springs, many seem to rely on those packing case type of straps to hold the leaves together now, rather than the proper steel clamps riveted to the bottom leaf. Hey, let's cut corners

[RobThomas]

Thanks Les. You can see these springs winding up fore and aft of the axle if someone pushes the bumpers whilst the handbrake is on, so the springs are shot. I hoped to find out if any of the suppliers had a better product or whether they were all being bought in from the same source. I agree on the problem of the clamps so I might make up some new ones in the form you mentioned. Rounding off the ends of the blades to stop them cutting through the blade above will be time well spent, too.

[bmcecosse]

I suspect all the springs come from the same supplier to the different sales outlets.

[Monty-4]

I fitted new leaf springs from ESM almost exactly one year ago to my 4-door saloon (old and new below!). Nice and stiff with SAE40 in the dampers, perhaps a bit too hard for my liking. Quality seems okay, they look the same now as the day they went on.

[frame][/frame]

[les]

-----note the method of holding the springs together now!

[bmcecosse]

You sure you are not riding on the rear bumpstops - the standard Minor springs are very soft. You can safely cut 1" off the stops. If still too 'hard' - try SAE 30 oil.

[Monty-4]

You sure you are not riding on the rear bumpstops - the standard Minor springs are very soft. You can safely cut 1" off the stops. If still too 'hard' - try SAE 30 oil.

Yep! I probably got too used to the ocean liner ride from old springs and dampers full of air.

[RobThomas]

Thanks Monty.

I contacted a spring maker (Woodstock Parts) and they say they supply just about everyone in the Morris business so I'll go for the cheapest option. Axle, like almost everything on the car (apart from the springs) is like new or better. The springs aren't sagging but the clamps are slack. All new rubbers, U-bolts and tight nuts everywhere else. Just need a new Alta head gasket and I'll be finished.
[frame][/frame]

[biomed32uk]

I did mine over last winter with the complete kit from ESM, and Poly bushes, all fine so far and no complaints.

The only issue I have is the dampers are weeping oil where I refilled them - another little job.

[RobThomas]

Fantastic. Just the info I needed. Order will be sent today. I already have the new bushes so it ought to only take an hour to do the change.

Monty. I see Woodstock make and sell the pukka clamps and some fancy inter-leaf rubbing strips. I'll have a chat with them on Monday. I've never found it that easy to drill springs but they'd need to be riveted. Time to break out the 'stolen from the RAF' drill bits designed for Titanium.

[colin addison]

I changed the rears, from ESM, on a '69 Moggy I had a few years ago. I replaced with rubbers and all was fine, I'm not a fan of plastic!!
Colin

[BLOWNMM]

Hi all
I was thinking about getting springs from ESM or BM till I read the attachment on the Morris Minor Owners forum. Ending up getting them reset here by an old Minor suspension specialist.
Bob

[url]•
Re: Leaf springs suppliers.
by jonathon H » Thu Feb 13, 2014 8:57 pm
We buy our springs from Rossendales, they are excellent quality. Expensive yes, but you do get what you pay for. We had them spec the 'eyes' to the std Superflex' bushes and they fit a treat. Both ESM and Bully onesw have oversized 'eyes' and require a larger bush. We found both of the latter only last 3 months average usage before loosing almost 1" in ride height. No drop in over a year with the Rossendales.
JLH MINOR RESTORATION LTD
http://www.jlhmorrisminors.co.uk


jonathon H
Tuning Wizard

Posts: 3123
Joined: Sat Dec 12, 2009 11:17 pm
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[RobThomas]

Cheap Bull Motif ones arrived today. Lots of sharp edges, centre holes not lined up so the leaves don't run parallel to each other and the clamps, whilst riveted, are loosely bent thick steel that doesn't come close to holding everything in position. Judging by first appearance, I should be easily able to disassemble them to take off the sharp corners, smooth out the faces and then fold the clamping pieces properly.

You get what you pay for and for £30 I can't complain too much. I'm hoping they'll sink a bit with use to lower the back of the car a touch. Photos to follow.

Would there be a market for properly assembled springs using the cheapo ones as a starting point?

[RobThomas]

Ummmmm......Nope![frame][/frame][frame][/frame]

[Monty-4]

Oh dear.

Very diligent of you to chase down the suppliers - I'm sure this thread will be of use to many others in future.

[bmcecosse]

Looks like something made up by the local blacksmith - even then - I think he would be ashamed to put it on the market.