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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - Replaced perished rear suspension link

Hi,

I am almost done (hopefully) preparing my 1500 for it's first MOT in 10 years.
I noticed that the rubber in the rear suspension link, between the spring plate and damper is a bit perished.
It seems to be working fine, but am guessing that this would be picked up in the MOT so should probably replace it.
Anything tricky about the job, is the damper end a tapered fit?

Cheers,
-- Josh
J Levine

Yes, the damper end is a taper.

I have a small ball-joint splitter like this which does the job...

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_173425_langId_-1_categoryId_165469

Dave O'Neill 2

Finally got around to doing this and am having some real trouble.
I bought a tool like the one shown, but there isn't a big enough gap between the damper arm and the link arm to fit the tool in.
I had a go at the two hammer balljoint trick to no avail.
Any other advice, would love to get this sorted out tomorrow, it is the last thing that is needed before I try an MOT!

Cheers,
-- Josh
J Levine

The gap can sometimes be a bit tight, but as the link has a rubber bush, it is possible to lever it away from the damper arm just enough to fit the tool in.
Dave O'Neill 2

Thanks David,

I will have another bash at it tomorrow morning, I did try and make a bit of a gap, but failed.
If that doesn't go to plan, I think I will cut off the end of the pivot opposite the taper, and pull the arm from it.
Then I should be able to fit the tool in quite easily, but hopefully that can be avoided, would be a lot of hacksawing!

Cheers,
-- Josh
J Levine

Right you are Dave!
I manipulated the arm so I could get a bit of leverage on it and gave it a good wiggle.
Freed up just enough room to pop the tool in, and a few turns of the screw later the part was off.
One more job ticked off, and a few more discovered while under the car!

Thanks,
-- Josh
J Levine

This thread was discussed between 21/04/2011 and 08/05/2011

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