Morris Minor Owners Club

Morning all hope you can help with this gor over 2 years now Meggie has had a groaning that comes when turning right this comes and goes sometimes it is quite loud and other times you are just able to hear it or not at all.
This only happens when turning right from slight course alterations to turning at a junction.
Sometimes it feels as if there a slight vibration coming back through the steering column.
Both upper and lower trunions have been replaced and are regularly greased as is the track rod. When the lower trunion was replaced last year the wheel bearing was checked and passed as suitable. The steering rack is oiled and free. She does have disc brakes up front as well.
TIA

I would suggest wheel bearing(s) at fault.
As you have disc brakes fitted it could be that with worn wheel bearings the disc is touching the calliper and making the noise you are hearing.
There should be a little play at the wheel circumference of about 3/32" and no more.

Agree with Phils observations

Also could be cracks in the chassis legs around the eyebolt mounting hole.

Cracks here are suprisingly common and often give a creaking sound when stressed.

Taupe

Thank you for your replies should I replace both bearings?

You should replace both bearings if that is what is causing the problem. Replacing just one bearing is false economy.
Make sure that you set the free play/end float correctly.
You should also check out the other suggestion by taupe re the cracking of the chassis rail around the eye bolt.
Make sure that the eye bolt bushes are in good condition -if not replace.

Thank you
I will get them ordered today and check the chassis legs as well I believe bushes should be OK as they are all polybushes which were only installed a few years ago

When you have the wheel off I'd check if the balancing weights are still present. Sometimes they fall off and the wheel is out of balance. I'd also check the tie rod and bushes. Poly bushes tend to creak or squeak rather than groan. Have you tried bouncing the affected side front wing with the car stationary?

Stephen

Some typical cracks



Taupe

I have checked the balance weights all present and correct. With the rods I have changed one bush to poly and kept the other as rubber which seemed to be the general consensus
As for those cracks they are scary but thankfully she looks crack free.
I hope to get the bearings replaced in the next week or so ( work getting in the way hurmpth) and will let you know the outcome

I found similar cracks on mine. It passed an MOT, but the cracks could not be seen until the area was cleaned up.

A new chassis leg quickly followed the discovery. It was surprising how poor the internal condition was when it was removed

Hi all
Bearings replaced the groaning bearing on the off side was very difficult to remove, as in it was very tight on the spine due on the back bearing.
I did find some roughness on the spindle which I smoothed down with some wet and dry paper.
Even after this the new bearing did not slide on and was very tight on the spindle.
I did a pressure fit to get the bearing into position with hub as a guide. This worked and once everything was bolted up all seemed to be running smooth.
As for the near side no issues and it flew on, I hope to be taking her out next Sunday for a shortish trip out and will hopefully find out if it is successful but I am dubious as to the longevity of the off side with how tight it was to fit.
All the removed bearing moved well and looked healthy as well.

A quick update all the bearing have been replaced and i took Meggie out yesterday gor a 60 mile drive with no groans very happy now

So long as you have slight play in the bearings then I consider that all will be well.
Now enjoy the motoring experience.

Deffo got the slight play and so much smoother driving all ready for summer outings

Found picture of extra instruments on panel which I am trying to achieve - question - how to fit the top centre screw of the original housing? Sorry if using wrong mechanism for asking but new to all this

AdrianH wrote: ↑Tue Jun 09, 2026 6:48 pm Found picture of extra instruments on panel which I am trying to achieve - question - how to fit the top centre screw of the original housing? Sorry if using wrong mechanism for asking but new to all this

I think this is the wrong thread

Stephen