Rear axle - disintegrating spring mounts

[martinclan56]

As the dismantling of my Roadster continues apace I have reached the final part which is to remove the rear axle.
I was soaking everything in WD40 this morning prior to attempting removal of the U Bolts when I noticed the state of the spring platforms welded to the axle. To say they are rusty is an understatement. More - disintegrating.
I wondered if this was a problem anyone else had encountered and what they had done about it?

Cheers, Robin

[andyf]

Re: Rear axle - disintegrating spring mounts

Hi Robin, First I would invest in some plus-gas it's much better at penetrating rusty nuts and bolts. Also be careful because the U bolts can snap. I'm about to do the same thing and have been soaking mine for weeks! All is not lost if the spring platforms have disintegrated, you can find custom spring platforms online so I'm sure a suitable replacement set could be procured and welded on. The most difficult bit I can foresee is making sure that they are at the correct angle.

[Gareth]

Re: Rear axle - disintegrating spring mounts

Hi, if you're struggling to undo those nuts I suggest you try Soudal's Degrip All spray. Excellent stuff! Gareth.

[stevejgreen]

Re: Rear axle - disintegrating spring mounts

Replacement saddles can be bought from Rally Design

https://www.rallydesign.co.uk/product_info.php?products_id=4330

These saddles need to be drilled out to suit the Marina suspension locating peg before welding in place.
The UBolts are a challenge to locate, the Marlin ones, much longer than the standard Marina part are difficult to find, there is an article on Keepandshare that covers them.
Unfortunately they suffer from all the road dirt and corrosion and are one of the last places to get any TLC and can get easily sheared by the impatient.
Similar u bolts can be found but usually larger diameter which means a full strip and drilling out 20+holes.

[martinclan56]

Re: Rear axle - disintegrating spring mounts

Thanks for all the info. I'll investigate new spring saddles, I was unaware that they were even available.
I had assumed that the U bolts would have to be sacrificed. They are almost as rusty as the spring saddles. Thete is a supplier on ebay that makes U bolts albeit metric. I was hoping to be able to find something from him. Drilling out the holes is not a problem as I have a large pillar drill.
Cheers Robin

[FranklinLeicester]

Re: Rear axle - disintegrating spring mounts

Robin, I went through this job about 10 years ago and after the first 3 threads sheared off I decided to sacrifice the whole lot. It is likely that the threads are stretched and it isn’t good practice to put badly corroded parts back on if it can be avoided. In doing my refurb I took an inch off the height of the tapered spacers to raise the body as I wanted to fit 14” wheels with full aspect ratio tyres. Having done this the U bolts didn’t need to be quite so long. I got a set from NTG Motor Services Ltd (www.mgbits.com). They are in Ipswich. The set cost £28.70 inc nuts washers etc. The part no is 391063270195 and are for MG TD TF MGA ZA ZB Austin Morris etc. OK, my bolts are shorter than standard but measure yours and speak to them, they may do longer ones for BMC cars with more spring leaves that will fit your requirement.

[David]

Re: Rear axle - disintegrating spring mounts

Franklins response has prompted me to suggest you contact leaf spring manufacturers as they often offer upgrades for leaf sprung cars which can require longer U bolts.

[martinclan56]

Re: Rear axle - disintegrating spring mounts

Franklins response has prompted me to suggest you contact leaf spring manufacturers as they often offer upgrades for leaf sprung cars which can require longer U bolts.

I am in the process of trying (at least) to get a quote for new springs. The plan is to get some made that have a shorter rear section so that they don't hang out so much at the rear of the car. But I am also investigating making them flatter so I can do away with the horrible lowering blocks.

Whilst measuring up the old springs I discovered some interesting stuff. The springs are actually assymetric with the section in front of the axle being much shorter, by several inches, than that behind the axle. Apparently this is to reduce axle wind up and tramp on acceleration. You learn something every day!

Cheers, Robin

[andyf]

Re: Rear axle - disintegrating spring mounts

Out of interest have you compared them to Mk2 Escort springs?

[martinclan56]

Re: Rear axle - disintegrating spring mounts

Out of interest have you compared them to Mk2 Escort springs?

Err no. Do you think they are similar? Would probably be much cheaper if they are!

Cheers Robin

[andyf]

Re: Rear axle - disintegrating spring mounts

No I haven't but it does seem from casual inspection that they could be and as you say they are relatively common. it sounded like you are planning a significant change in which case switching springs might be feasible.

[FranklinLeicester]

Re: Rear axle - disintegrating spring mounts

Going back to the U bolt problem, if NTG can’t oblige try sandersonleafsprings.co.uk They invite you to ask them for help with non standard u bolts.

[stewart 27]

Re: Rear axle - disintegrating spring mounts

i hve some springs

[kolmershlagjp]

Re: Rear axle - disintegrating spring mounts

have you found the u bolts for marlin roadster i would like to buy them thank you

[stevejgreen]

Re: Rear axle - disintegrating spring mounts

i hve some springs

Have you managed to identify the source of your springs, there are many alternatives available through the Marina/Ital range.
it is best to avoid the stronger springs unless you can match them to the different torsion bars.
The relevant info is inevitably archived on Keepandshare for reference.