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  • #1

    Leaf Springs

    I know this subject has been covered in the past (Nov 2004), but I though I would ask again.

    I have a problem with one of the leaf springs hitting the chassis at the hanger end when I go over large bumps. When the car is unladen, there is only about a 5mm gap on the nearside whereas the offside has about 15mm. The spring hangers are angled forward at slightly different angles.

    Both springs - 2 leaf - were new when the car was built (1985) and this has always been a problem. I am now finally thinking of doing something about - possibly making some slightly longer (10-15mm) hangers.

    Any thoughts welcome.
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  • #2
    Re: Leaf Springs

    Neil,
    Marina leaf springs came in many different ratings depending on car. It sounds like you either have 2 different springs or one has weakened over the years. This happened on my roadster with the spring eventually breaking in two.
    Longer hangers will incease ride height which will effect handling although if you have one spring longer than the other or working at different rates then this won't help either.
    Speak to the guys at:
    Brost Forge Motorspring Service
    Unit 7 149 Roman Way
    London N7 8XH
    Tel: (020 7607 2311)
    Mk2 SWB Marina Roadster with a 1800 Fiat Twin Cam engine and 5 speed Abarth gearbox built in 1987
     - I have no idea what I am talking about........ but my advice is always free! -

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    • #3
      Re: Leaf Springs

      Jon,

      Thanks for your thoughts, I've given it some more thought myself.

      I suspect that both springs were the same when I fitted them, however over 21 years the offside one has settled a bit (99% mileage is driver only). I have since tried a "typical Birmingham road surface" again, this time with a passenger and the problem does not occur.

      I think the solution will be to swap the springs over, offside with nearside.

      I'm changing to rear polybushes next week so will be dismantling the suspension and will try swapping the springs then.

      As for the longer hangers, as I was only talking about 10-15mm, the actual change in ride height would be somewhat less due to the hanger angle, so I don't think it would affect handling much at all.

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      • #4
        Re: Leaf Springs

        Final solution was :-

        Polybushes
        Swap Springs Offside/Nearside
        Move lower Spring Hanger holes down 10mm

        Now no more problem.

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