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MG MGB Technical - releasing rear springs

I'm in the process of changing axles. I've got everything disconnected and now need to release the rear spring hanger. Never having done this before I don't know just how violently the spring can release and where to support things to mitigate against this. I have the car supported on axle stands immediately to the front of the front spring hangers. I have a couple of trolley jacks available. What is the correct proceedure? Also what is the best way to get the spring hanger to release from it's bushes.I presume I need to reduce the action of the spring as much as possible. At the moment I'm not sure what the 'at rest' shape of the spring is.
Steve Church

Steve, the way you have set it all up means that all the weight of the axle/springs is hanging on the spring shackles. Just put a trolley jack under the diff centre and lightly take the weight. Undo and remove the rear shackles and then lower the axle/spring assy and rest it on blocks so you can remove the jack. Now undo the spring 'U' bolts and lift the axle assy out.

As the manual says, to re-assemble just reverse this process. It's not hard and once the assy is supported on the jack there is no violent release of the spring.

Tony
Tony Oliver

I did the same procedure on my 80 LE recently and had the same thoughts. The pressure released is very little. The resting arc of the springs is well within the distance from the front eye to the rear shackle. Follow Tony's weight suspending points and it should go easily. It's likely you'll find the rear shackles a little difficult to get the bolts out of to release. They've been riding around in the elements now for more than 30 years and the nuts are on the inside toward the fuel cell where a hammer is not easily applied to drive them out. The bolts are part of the shackle, not separate of the shackle. Clean the area with a wire brush and apply some WD 40 to lubricate the shackle. Back the nuts off until the end of the bolt is inside the nut and protected from thread damage. You can gently tap them, but there isn't much room to do so with any force. I used a carpenter's C clamp to apply some pressure and start them out.
Rick Penland

This thread was discussed between 07/05/2011 and 08/05/2011

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