Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Classic Morgans (pre-CX) Steering bearings

Firstly being able to turn the rebound springs by hand at static load is frankly rubbish. As far as I'm aware this all came about when suspension systems were being messed with and to make the older steering as light as possible rebound springs were being shortened to suit the car and reduce steering friction, the guide then was.... should be able to turn it by hand at static load! This is not applicable now to the later steering systems with no damper blades and bearings. If you see a suspension system hung up and the hub carrier sitting clear of the rebound spring the issue will lie with either: worn pins/bushes, lack of lubricant or overly weak main springs, Possibly a shortened rebound spring if you let a muppet loose with his grinder!
Lack of correct lubrication within the hub is a very real problem as firstly the hub will fail to slide effectively on the pin. any ingested grit will not be effectively expelled as the suspension will not be able to expel a small amount of grease on the larger thumps to the suspension. This is why Morgan have always recommended what seems to be an over regular greasing regime, It can't need that much grease but it needs the pressure from within to maintain longevity by cleaning the inter bearing face.! In normal use the suspension will frequently find the hub lifting clear of the rebound spring.... it's meant to work like that and the rebound springs function is to damp the hubs return as the main spring pushes the hub back down. These springs are matched pairs... well should be anyway and are designed to work in harmony as a unit. This system was introduced way before shock absorbers were invented. Read H.F.S.'s explanations and then Peter Morgans story of why he installed front shocks!