4A Front Suspension Rebuild
4A Front Suspension Rebuild
Hi
Any suggestions on rebuild of the front suspension on a 4A. A source for bushings, bearings, etc.
Thanks
Scott
Any suggestions on rebuild of the front suspension on a 4A. A source for bushings, bearings, etc.
Thanks
Scott
- Paul Bouchard
- Posts: 414
- Joined: Thu Nov 17, 2005 9:35 pm
- First Name: Paul
- Location: Deux-Montagnes, Quebec, Canada
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Re: 4A Front Suspension Rebuild
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
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
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.
President, NASOC
Nine Roadster Registrar
1948 A Series Roadster
1947 Super Ten Saloon
1935 Le Mans Super Speed Model
Just enjoying the ride.
Re: 4A Front Suspension Rebuild
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
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
- Paul Bouchard
- Posts: 414
- Joined: Thu Nov 17, 2005 9:35 pm
- First Name: Paul
- Location: Deux-Montagnes, Quebec, Canada
- Contact:
Re: 4A Front Suspension Rebuild
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
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.
President, NASOC
Nine Roadster Registrar
1948 A Series Roadster
1947 Super Ten Saloon
1935 Le Mans Super Speed Model
Just enjoying the ride.
Re: 4A Front Suspension Rebuild
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
Scott
-
- Posts: 24
- Joined: Fri Feb 21, 2014 7:56 pm
- First Name: Brook
Re: 4A Front Suspension Rebuild
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.
Re: 4A Front Suspension Rebuild
Sounds like a good option Brook...care to share the source?
Your Friendly Canadian Pre-War Singer Specialist, Collector & Historian,
Editor & Pre-War Registrar & Canadian Contact -NASOC
Singer Enthusiast for over 40 Years.
'28 Senior, '33 & '34 Sports, '36 Le Mans SS & Bantam
Editor & Pre-War Registrar & Canadian Contact -NASOC
Singer Enthusiast for over 40 Years.
'28 Senior, '33 & '34 Sports, '36 Le Mans SS & Bantam
-
- Posts: 24
- Joined: Fri Feb 21, 2014 7:56 pm
- First Name: Brook
Re: 4A Front Suspension Rebuild
I thought I did, and it was Prothane
-
- Posts: 24
- Joined: Fri Feb 21, 2014 7:56 pm
- First Name: Brook
Re: 4A Front Suspension Rebuild
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.
- mikeyr
- Site Admin
- Posts: 1347
- Joined: Thu Nov 17, 2005 10:20 am
- First Name: Mike
- Location: S. Calif.
- Contact:
Re: 4A Front Suspension Rebuild
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.
ok...I am outta here before I say something wrong.
Mike Rambour. Site Administrator
1953 Singer 4ADT (sold), 1934 Singer 9 Le Mans, 1934 Singer 1 1/2 4-Seater Sports (sold), 2009 BMW K1300GT
1953 Singer 4ADT (sold), 1934 Singer 9 Le Mans, 1934 Singer 1 1/2 4-Seater Sports (sold), 2009 BMW K1300GT
Re: 4A Front Suspension Rebuild
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!
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!
Your Friendly Canadian Pre-War Singer Specialist, Collector & Historian,
Editor & Pre-War Registrar & Canadian Contact -NASOC
Singer Enthusiast for over 40 Years.
'28 Senior, '33 & '34 Sports, '36 Le Mans SS & Bantam
Editor & Pre-War Registrar & Canadian Contact -NASOC
Singer Enthusiast for over 40 Years.
'28 Senior, '33 & '34 Sports, '36 Le Mans SS & Bantam
Re: 4A Front Suspension Rebuild
Hi
The rubber bushes on the Roadster springs are also used on the Morris Minor so you might try a source of Morris parts
David A
The rubber bushes on the Roadster springs are also used on the Morris Minor so you might try a source of Morris parts
David A
Re: 4A Front Suspension Rebuild
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
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
- mikeyr
- Site Admin
- Posts: 1347
- Joined: Thu Nov 17, 2005 10:20 am
- First Name: Mike
- Location: S. Calif.
- Contact:
Re: 4A Front Suspension Rebuild
I agree, but I can't force people to put in their location
Mike Rambour. Site Administrator
1953 Singer 4ADT (sold), 1934 Singer 9 Le Mans, 1934 Singer 1 1/2 4-Seater Sports (sold), 2009 BMW K1300GT
1953 Singer 4ADT (sold), 1934 Singer 9 Le Mans, 1934 Singer 1 1/2 4-Seater Sports (sold), 2009 BMW K1300GT
Re: 4A Front Suspension Rebuild
Just added mine!