Morris Minor Owners Club

The propshaft has started catching on the seatbelt mounting bolts. I have replaced them with much shorter bolts. But the shorter the bolts, the closer the propshaft seems to come. This has happened relatively suddenly, and i was wondering if anyone has any suggestions as to why? and cures. (i have bump stops fitted but it is catching before they hit the car) Or if there is a simple way of adjusting the ride hight at the back?

can only be rear axle location which depends on the structure of the rear chassis part, also spring condition and ends of rear axle casing condition where the rear speings and u bolts locate

Check the forward spring hangers at the rear of the car (around the back seat area). As Dennis says, it must be a structural fault which needs finding immediately.

Sorry forgot to add she is ok stationary and on normal roads. Its just under heavy acceleration or bumpy roads. Not sure if this changes anything?

saggy springs and or rear shackle bushes
could be a broken spring as well

Look at the area where the rear axle joins the rear spring, it's a terrible trap for dirt and water and can rot allowing the axle to twist out of position.

Or the gearbox mounts have somehow failed - and the prop is now sitting low ?

surely if the prop was lower it would miss the bolts easily

Doooooooohhh ! Well spotted Dennis - got my 'stupid' head on tonight!

no worries roy

Your axle mounting U-bolts have come loose, allowing the axle to move up under acceleration. Tighten them up and the problem will go!

all of the above to check but more likely that the springs have sagged and no longer able to cope with the force of acceleration alowing the car to sink too far at the rear. Look closely at the rear hanger and see if there is a mark on the chassis leg just behind the hanger this indicates that the springs have had it and are too stretched out and are flattening under load which alows the rear of the spring to come into contact with the cassis leg. You can sometimes hear it hit as a dull clunk when you go over pot holes etc.. Be carefull that you don't damage the prop by ignoring it.

Thanks for all the help, the problem is now hopefully all sorted Fitted new u-bolts rubbers etc. The small metal piece welded to the axle, which the springs attach to had rusted, and due to it being weaker had been bent out of place, allowing the rear axle to twist. Have repaired and strengthened this piece.
Thanks.