Left Side Off

[jhorton3]

I felt adventurous this afternoon after spending the day picking blueberries and blackberries in 95 degree heat to come home and work on the front suspension. Left side was easier, except for the high heat and humidity in the garage. Only mishap was the kingpin dropping down between a component of the jack preventing it from going all the way down. Easy fix.

The front shocks are off and with a suitable box will be sent to Peter C tomorrow. I'm looking forward to seeing what functioning shocks feel like on a MG again.

Pulled the replacement steering rack out of the box and looking it over. It looks good, but there's a concern about the left rubber gaiter. The right side has the proper clamp on the side closest to center, but the left just has very thin metal wire wrapped twice and twisted to keep it there. It doesn't look right. Why would someone do that? Oh, is it a good idea to go ahead and put lubricant in the rack boots before or after I install it back on the car.

Tomorrow night the left A arm comes off, and possibly the old steering rack. Depends on how hot is is when I get home.

 

[jlaird]

Sounds to me like the factory had a parts problem.

 

[jhorton3]

I looked up the exploded diagram in the Haynes manual, the Moss site, and the VB site. Haynes shows something like wire for the left side. The Moss diagram doesn't show, and the VB diagram looks like zip ties. I'm don't have to have it original, just so it keeps the lubricants in and the dust and crap out.

 

[jlaird]

Zip ties will certinly work.

 

[bill_young]

The original fastening was a one use metal band clamp. Tie wraps are the usual substitute. I found some stainless tie wraps at HF a couple of months ago that are very close in appearance to the original items, but I don't see them listed in their catalog now.

 

[v8mgbal]

hello Jim, that may be original my 74 has the same wire you describe. and I dont think its ever been removed.