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MG MGF Technical - Shock Absorbers - Dampers

My MGF VVC 1996 obviously has Hydrolastic suspension - supplemented by dampers. I am concerned the latter have "had it", although there's no evidence of leaks. However, with a damper attached to the car but disconnected from the upper suspension arm, I can compress it easily by hand. I have to pull quite hard to return it to normal extended length. Is that normal?

I am told that adjustable GAZ GT dampers are a good way to go for replacements and have an improved build quality which may be better that SPAX - and either are loads better than the original fixed Monroe's. Apparantly welding in a load spreading plate is recommended if the shocks are ever set "hard" as the "F" is weak at the upper shock turret, especially at the rear. This may not be necessary though if the setting are left "soft". Clearly hard settings will transmit more road shock into the body.

I'd be interested in finding out what other folks are using if Monroe's are N.L.A. and if adjustables have been used, what settings work for them.


Jeff
J Lennon

Jeff,

Sounds as if your dampers are quite normal -they are designed only to work on rebound.

I've had Spax adjustables fitted for about 6 years now and never had any problems with the upper turret mounts. However, they are set pretty much in the middle. Can't remember how many clicks front and back (8 and 11 I think), but as far as I know the new models have more setting than the old ones so it wouldn't be much help anyway.
David Clelland

I have no idea Jeff but it would make sense with the hydragas being responsible for compression damping and the 'shock absorbers' being better described as rebound dampers. I bought the GAZ upgrade from Rimmers and have not been overawed by their uplift in performance from the old OEM jobs - wish I had just replaced the bushes.
Charless

This thread was discussed on 16/07/2009

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