Morris Minor Owners Club

Hi, I'm doing what philthehill sugested on my front suspension units, I took the drain bolt out but couldn't get any oil out. So I took out the 6 screws and removed the top, there is a cork gasket that covers the whole top! That can't be right? Otherwise you wouldn't be able to top up. Also is there any reason why the oil won't drain out? I get some out by compressing the front. Help please, cheers Tony

Exercise the damper to exude the oil.
It is not so important to get the oil out but it is important to check whether the damper valves are still in place which was the reason for removing the drain valve cover in the first place.
The gasket under the top cover should have a hole in its centre so as to be able top up the oil level.
It may be that over time all the oil has drained out.
Once you have identified that the valves have been removed or still in place in that case remove the valves, cut a hole in the centre of the gasket, fit gasket and top lid and fill with oil.
Exercise the suspension to make sure that all air has been excluded and top up further if necessary.
Jobs done.

Thanks Phil, the only thing I got out was a spring, so presumably the valve has already been removed.

Everything in the horizontal bottom tube of the damper should be removed including the spring.
In a few minutes I will post a photo of the valve assy so as you can see what should be removed.

Minor front damper valve assy.
There are some thin washers between the left hand spring and the main valve body make sure that they are out or removed.

Thanks again, someone had removed the valve, but left the springs, but I did find it difficult to get much oil in, I removed the drain nut again to see if it was running through but nothing came out!

To ensure that the oil is filling all the voids in the damper the lever arm needs to exercised and then top up as required.
After the damper valves are removed all that the oil in the damper does is to lubricate the moving parts inside the damper and of course the main pivots for the damper arm/top link.

After ensuring the oil is distributed throughout, add extra oil leaving a small air space under the filler to allow for expansion of the oil when it warms up. This is important because otherwise oil may be forced past the seals.

This is not likely to be an issue when the damper is only being used as a suspension pivot, but is certainly important when it is being used normally--as a damper as well as a pivot.

Don