Morris Minor Owners Club

Sounds like the damper may be past it's sell-by date. Exchange units are cheap. It should be quite firm to move by hand - and even all the way through the range of movement with no 'gaps'.

I'll be idle and let the garage replace the damper while the Trav's in to have the wheel bearing sorted out, then.

Replacement dampers are about £15 exchange, unless you are lucky enough to pick some up at an autojumble, I was lucky enough to get a new one for a fiver!

How about filling them both with 20/50 or SAE 30 until you come across replacements? That should stiffen them up a bit. Jack oil is only about SAE10 isn't it? It may be the old oil in there was thicker than what you have just put in.

We've been through all that already! If these are covered by warranty - let them sort it out.

Just drained and refilled the front dampers with 20/50... what a stench the old oil had! It smelt as if stale old cats pee had been used! YUK!
The rears are going to be replaced shortly when I replace the springs. Suspension seems much firmer at the front already, without having a test drive.
Reckon it's ok to drive with just the fronts replenished? Rears are at least full!

Of course. Must be better than before. The old oil has been ruined by years of being squeezed through tiny little holes - the 'long chain molecules' have been ripped apart. Best to maybe drain and refill the fronts again to make sure all is removed - and yes 20/50 oil makes a very sensible 'fill' for the dampers and firms the ride up nicely. I would just check the damper mounting bolts to the bulkhead are all nice and snug.

Thanks mate,
Advice appreciated as ever!

Just back from a road test..... WHAT A DIFFERENCE! I now weave all over the road searching for dips and bumps - rather than to avoid them as before!

Heh-heh. Been telling you all that for a long time now !