4A Front Suspension Rebuild

The 4A, 4AB, 4AC, 4AD cars, including the SM 1500 Roadster and SMX
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2001f4s
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4A Front Suspension Rebuild

Post by 2001f4s »

Hi
Any suggestions on rebuild of the front suspension on a 4A. A source for bushings, bearings, etc.

Thanks
Scott
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Paul Bouchard
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Re: 4A Front Suspension Rebuild

Post by Paul Bouchard »

This can be a satisfying project to and one that may contribute to a direct improvement in the feel of the car when driving.

Bushings are available in the UK, however my source is no longer with us anymore. Bill Haverly was a wealth of information as well as an excellent purveyor of things Singer, especially Roadster. One source that I have heard of, but not tried, is in Australia: Mackay, their number S112. The dimensions are 7/8” outer diameter, 15/32 hole, 1” long overall (including a ¼” flange). 24 are needed overall. Bill Tull, ASCO in the UK, took over their club spares. He can be reached at billtull1954@hotmail.co.uk. He may be able to point you in the right direction. Changing these involves prying out the old ones and then inserting in the new. Some lubricant (rubber safe), a couple of washers, a bolt and nut were what I used to ease them into place. They were also found on Austin, Morris, and Vauxhall’s of the time.

Springs can be adjusted at a local spring shop. Try a truck garage for sources if need be. The free camber for the front springs is 4.375”. At a load of 440 lbs this becomes 1.0675” Rear springs have a free camber 3.625”, at a load of 440 lbs is 1.1875”. If you are removing the rear springs be cautious when removing the bolt at the front of the spring. It is a stepped bolt and has an inherent weak point where the threaded part is. Use a generous amount of penetrating oil, liquid wrench or other type. This, time and gentle persuasion are key.

Shocks are the Armstrong type. they can be rebuilt, however they are usually pretty good and need regular maintenance.

Hope that this helps.

Paul
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2001f4s
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Re: 4A Front Suspension Rebuild

Post by 2001f4s »

Thanks Paul,

Shocks rebuilt, and I was planning to have the springs re-curved if needed, but I will at least clean and repaint. I am going to delay doing the rear suspension for now, but have already sheared the bolt heads in the front where the front of the spring mounts to the frame.

Thanks again
Scott
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Paul Bouchard
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Re: 4A Front Suspension Rebuild

Post by Paul Bouchard »

Ouch on the front bolts. From my memory they are not stepped so once everything g is drilled and tapped a replacement should be relatively easy to find. I am sure that there are a couple of North American sources and failing that the UK.

Good luck
Paul Bouchard

President, NASOC
Nine Roadster Registrar

1948 A Series Roadster
1947 Super Ten Saloon
1935 Le Mans Super Speed Model

Just enjoying the ride.
2001f4s
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Re: 4A Front Suspension Rebuild

Post by 2001f4s »

Front suspension out, and only 3 of 4 mounting bolts sheared. I am on to the spring re-curve now. Paul thank you for the insight and encouragement.
Scott
bmlindbert
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Re: 4A Front Suspension Rebuild

Post by bmlindbert »

By searching the folks that provide Polyurethane suspension and engine mount parts in the US, I found that there is a nearly exact part out there with the flanged end on it that only requires you to shorten it by about an 1/8" by running it through a band saw. I replaced every one on my car both front and rear with them, along with the muffler support. They work perfectly, and are very inexpensive.
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Phillip
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Re: 4A Front Suspension Rebuild

Post by Phillip »

Sounds like a good option Brook...care to share the source?
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bmlindbert
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Re: 4A Front Suspension Rebuild

Post by bmlindbert »

I thought I did, and it was Prothane
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Re: 4A Front Suspension Rebuild

Post by bmlindbert »

To add another supplier, Energy Suspension has a ;large set of offerings in the "Universal" section of their catalog. An even better source than Prothane.
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mikeyr
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Re: 4A Front Suspension Rebuild

Post by mikeyr »

Dave Green had all the part numbers for locally sourced bushings a few years ago. I always wonder why the UK is always some peoples first reply, yes they have way more parts available but Dave has them here.

ok...I am outta here before I say something wrong.
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Phillip
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Re: 4A Front Suspension Rebuild

Post by Phillip »

Hey Dave,

If you are looking on the site, could you let us know what your sources are? I am sure that will help a lot of members and Roadster owners out!
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davida
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Re: 4A Front Suspension Rebuild

Post by davida »

Hi

The rubber bushes on the Roadster springs are also used on the Morris Minor so you might try a source of Morris parts

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Ratchet
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Re: 4A Front Suspension Rebuild

Post by Ratchet »

Hi MikeyR,

Further to your comment wondering "why the UK is always some peoples first reply, yes they have way more parts available but Dave has them here"

Just a thought -- but if people were to put their location in their profiles it would make it easier for helpful souls to propose sources of parts that are local to the person looking for help.

It's clear that you are in California and that Paul is in Quebec but many members don't list their locations making it difficult to help them find a local source of parts.

Stu
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mikeyr
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Re: 4A Front Suspension Rebuild

Post by mikeyr »

I agree, but I can't force people to put in their location :(
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ColinB
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Re: 4A Front Suspension Rebuild

Post by ColinB »

Just added mine!
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