Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Maintenance & Servicing Good idea to fit brake reaction bars?

After about three years of ownership my Plus4 and also own a set of separately packed brake reaction bars for the same time, I think it‘s time to fit them.

As I know for the work the MOG must be parked on her wheels. But there is not much space for to do the work.

So my idea is to undo the wirewheels and jack the MOG at the axles. Clear I protect the threats with some plastic or wood.

The point behind is: the weight of the car is on the suspension, but without the wheels I‘ve got much more space to work.

Good idea or bad idea?

Greets René

Use axle stands on the lower bar of the crosshead spaced as far apart as possible.

Thank you for this information, but when I understand right than there is no weight at the suspension.

But I was told I must keep the weight on the hubs?

René

I can see the logic in fitting the bars with weight on the wheels, because this is the static stress position of the frame.

However, drilling the chassis so accurately, which is easier from below than above, where the reaction bars are attached complicates this.

So I don't think it matters when you attach the top of the bar to the upper kingpin bolt. But take care because that fine thread can be difficult to restart if there's the slightest shift in the kingpin. With that bolt not quite fully tight, you can swing the bottom of the reaction bar into place on the chassis, and refit the wheel to check clearance. If necessary, file the inside corner of the BRB so the end fits really tight against the vertical part of the chassis.

Measure where the hole needs to be as accurately as possible with the weight on the wheels, then remove the wheels to get better access for drilling.

I've done this job once, and did it all with the wheels off.

To stop the kingpin from moving, stick the jack under the bottom kingpin plate. Just jack it enough that the springs cant push the top and bottom crosshead tubes apart (this is why the kingpin can pop out of its recess in the top lug forging), not enough to take any significant weight off of the axle stands

Good tip that Simon

Thank you all for the answers.

I think I“ll start the (easylooking) job the next days. So when I understand all points:

1) lift her as usual

2) rest her under the crossmember with axlestands with one far away from the other as possible

3) give the kingpin a support at the lowerend/ down fixingplate. The spring must free of tension or only light tension.

4) undo the topscrew with the nipple and fit the BRB. Fix it in a way that I can move it in position.

5) now the surprise… I noticed some holes and hope they are matching the lower fixingpoint. But now, welcome in real world:
drill it.

6) fixing the top screw - is there a specific torque numbered?

7) fix the lower screws.

8) fit the wheels and ground her back. Ready…


René

Rene, my 2014 plus 4 had the chassis pre drilled so I expect the holes you see will be in the correct position. BUT it is a Morgan 🤔

When I fitted mine, I used the holes that the ‘tyre blocks’ were bolted to.....Not sure whether that’s the correct description - there were metal blocks bolted on to the chassis which the inside of the tyres rub against on full lock 🤷🏼‍♂️!

Due to lack of space you may have to drill from below, and this may be a hassle, as you do not know exactly where to put the drill on the underside of the chassis flange, to hit the hole t the lower end of the BRB. Here is what to do:
1.get a little piece of cardboard, fold it so the upper part goes between the lower end of the BRB and the flange, the lower part goes underneath.
2. With the BRB in place, mark it's hole on the upper side cardboard with a pencil marker.
3. Take the cardboard piece out, punch from above, both the upper and lower layer corresponding to the hole you marked.
4. Put the cardboard back, so the punched hole corresponds with the hole in the BRB.
5. You now have a hole in the cardboard piece on the underside, in the correct position, drill from below.