Lubricating leaf springs.

[Eric Worpe]

Unfortunately many effective lubricants emulsify when exposed to water, whilst the "semi-lubricants" such as waxoil and silicon which resist emulsification, do not seem to lubricate as well as the conventional greases. If however, graphite powder is mixed with wax or silicon oil, then the lubricating properties of graphite are retained within a water repelling medium. It's worth dismantling the springs and "rounding off" the ends since modern replacement springs are cut off abruptly, causing the ends to wear away any adjacent surfaces. At this stage the old paint and rust could be abraided away with one of the impregnated fibre wheels that Peter Pleitner mentioned recently, and each leaf painted with a Zinc rich primer. Temporarily assemble the springs to allow the exposed surfaces to be painted black, and then dismantle again. A liberal application of wax/silicon oil mixed with graphite powder between the leaves during the final assembly should ensure a lasting and effective lubrication. This should also improve the suspension's behaviour as the friction between the leaves is a significant part of the spring's dynamic characteristics. Regards, Eric Worpe.

[Tom Poole]

Another option to consider is spring gaiters-They certainly work and are a nice period accesory-they are available from this company: I had some made for my cars by a local harness maker. I believe they are a "hold over" from the days when horses drawn conveyences used leaf springs. Tom Poole TC7563 Wefco 90 Redland Road, Bristol, BS6 6QZ, UK Tel: +44 (0) 117 942 6958 Fax: +44 (0) 117 942 6959 Leather spring gaiters

----- Original Message ----- From: Eric Worpe E.Worpe@surrey.ac.uk> To: mg-tabc@yahoogroups.com> Sent: Friday, February 02, 2001 6:39 AM Subject: [mg-tabc] Lubricating leaf springs.

[joecurto@aol.com]

OK all you guys I have just come across an Americian source of leather bonnett straps as well as spring gaiters, this fellow has been in business since 1956, while I have not done business as of yet I intend to, but as always this is only a source not a recommendation. His cataloge has specifics on pre-war and post war bonnett straps for MG's as well as instructions for measuring springs for gaiters. Imcado MFG. inc. 50 Winthrop Ave. POB 87 Umatilla Floridia, 32784-0087 352 669-3308 George Chubaty

[LuckyFloridaLin@aol.com]

Dear Joseph,Being an old horseman,remember those leather wraps on those axle springs vaguely. Is this some thing you recommend from experience and also the hood straps for our living museum MG - TC,s