Morris Minor Owners Club

Greetings all,

I recently replaced my rear springs, using poly bushes. The rear end seems hard in the sense that you certainly feel the bumps in the road, yet it's springy, actually seeming to make the bumps worse rather than better. The dampers do seem to be working. I took them off a few weeks ago and put fresh straight 30w oil in them, and the arms are fairly stiff, but you can move them.

It's a saloon, with 5 leaf springs. Is there anyway to soften it up a bit? Or is this a sign that it's time for new dampers?

Check the dampers don't need topping up now. did you drain out all the old oil before flushing through and then refilling with the 30 oil? If you push down hard on the rear of the car and release - it should rise up and stop - no bouncing. Does it do this ? How low is the car sitting- is it clear of the bump stops by ~ 2" ?? Is it possible the suspension is 'jammed' - did you move it up and down a few times - then finally tighten everything up with the weight ON the suspension?

Yes, I drained old oil out, flushed with new oil, and topped up. Uh oh, looks like one of the dampers is leaking from where the arm connects. The other one seems fine.

I tightened everything up with the weight on, but I don't think I bounced the car at that time. It is a little less than 2" from the bump stops. Even when I put all my weight (alas, but 150lbs) on the back of the car, is hardly moves at all.

Sounds like the rear springs are too hard somehow - perhaps slacken the fixings and see if it moves then?

I had exactly the same problem with mine,did the same new springs pollybushed etc. The only springing I was getting was from the tyres the frame of the car was not moving against the springs. The only time it smoothed out was when I had the trailor on, Eventually took the small leaf off the spring and that has improved it a bit but still hard I suppose they will soften with usage.One advantage it handles twisty roads like a sports car,was thinking of putting a bag of wet sand in the boot to try to soften them up,anyway its better than the problem others have had in that new springs soon go flat its just the poor quality of non original spares we are all having

Were the poly bushes (white)greased on installation?

No, I didn't have any white grease handy, so they were not greased when installed. I thought it was mainly to make installing easier and prevent squeaks... is it necessary for movement?

I tried loosening things up a bit, but it did not seem to make any difference. Maybe I will try some sand in the back as kennatt suggests, or remove the small spring next time I feel like taking everything apart.

I think it is just over-strong springs. Get some fat mates in the back and go for a run over a nice bumpy road!