Squeaking rear springs/suspension

Post by **browniecool** » Sat Nov 10, 2007 10:57 am

Hi there, I have just refurbished and reassembled the rear suspension on both sides of my Minor - a 1959 2-door 948cc model. The near-side is fine but the o/side squeaks and groans as I go over bumps in the road. I have tightened up the U bolts as far as I think I should go but the problem on that side persists.

Anyone know how I can cure this? Is is the springs rubbing together or something out of line? Will greasing the springs help?

Post by **MoggyTech** » Sat Nov 10, 2007 11:15 am

Did you lower the car off the jacks BEFORE tightening the spring hangers?
You may have twisted a bush if you tightened the nuts with the car off the ground.

If not that. Try spraying a little soapy water or spray grease onto each bush, if that doesn't work you can wipe over the springs with an oily rag.

If it still sqeeks, maybe a damper.

Post by **browniecool** » Sat Nov 10, 2007 11:31 am

Thanks for that. Er no, 'fraid I did not. I assumeyou mean the bushes at either end of the spring? If I put the car back on the axle stands, loosen off everything, including the U bolts, lower then re-tighten that should sort that issue? Then I will address the other solutions if still a problem

Post by **Peetee** » Sat Nov 10, 2007 3:11 pm

Is the chassis in to condition? If not then it could be that the tube that is built into the chassis member in the rear spring link has corroded away on one side causing the remainder to bend under load. The old, knacked bush may not have put so much load on it in comparison to a new, tight bush.

Post by **paulk** » Sat Nov 10, 2007 6:17 pm

Is it a new Shock absorber? These could squeak otherwise its probably is the bushes.

Lie under the car(as long as you have clearance and get someone to gently bounce it till you find the proble

Post by **bmcecosse** » Sat Nov 10, 2007 6:27 pm

Slacken off - spray with wd40 or similar - put axle stands under (surprisingly) the axle - and put the weight on the stands. Then bounce a few times (car, not self) and then tighten it all up. If it's 'groaning' rather than squeaking - it does rather point to a chassis problem.

Post by **Kevin** » Sun Nov 11, 2007 11:04 am

Just one thing did you use poly bushes if so they should be lubricated with white grease or similar.

Post by **browniecool** » Sun Nov 11, 2007 11:58 am

Thanks everyone. I think I have it sorted now. It appeared to be the rubber bushes and after slackening off, raising and retightening with spray grease applied the problem appears to have gone away. Nice silent run now.

Once again - thanks to all.

John

Post by **MoggyTech** » Sun Nov 11, 2007 2:31 pm

Excellent, and thanks for reporting back on the fix. All too often we get left in the dark as to what fixed the problem