Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Maintenance & Servicing Rear axle snaking on gear change

Went to blow the cobwebs off on Saturday , having not driven for a couple of weeks. Had a really good run around the Chilterns for about an hour. Detoured a bit from my usual route and took advantage of an empty dual carriage way and opened her up a bit and changing up through the gears. Under heavy acceleration between each gear change there was a real lurch on the steering wheel to the left and the backend snaked a bit. I backed off and drove for a while in the same gear, slowing down to turn right . Now onto a 30 mph section of road and gentle under acceleration I noticed very slightly the same movement in the steering wheel and backend

This has not happened before and I wondered what it could be related too, front end tracking rod or drive shaft etc?.

Any thoughts ?

Rgds
Lumpy

Axle location maybe, I'd check the rear cart spring U bolts for tightness first I think before anything else, just take the saddle board out and you can spanner/socket them from the top if your arms are long enough.

And also check the rear damper mountings, especially if the lower bracket is on the brake back plate, because those original brackets do shear off.

Had that happen on a BGT, exactly as described. U bolts were tight but when I checked it out the pinch bolt for the leaf spring had sheared on one side allowing the axle to slip back and forth under load. Simple fix but not easy to see at first, a spanner on the nut might give a clue.

BR
Colin

In addition to all the above, I note that it was a +8. How old are the tyres and what were the road conditions?

I suspect as Dave says the rear bracket. Grab the rear damper and if it moves you have an issue. They really changed design on later Roadsters. I have a used but fine old design if you want to make me an offer

I sheared a U Bolt on my +8 and the axle jumped from its location. Happened on a roundabout. I would check if U Bolt cracked.

When the lower damper bracket breaks, and they do, you get a loud clunk on bumps. Don't ask me how I know..
My money is on the U bolts.

Here is the new design bracket

Here is the older style that failed on my S1 Roadster

As always a big thank you to every one who has taken the time to to reply and impart their wisdom

It turns out to thankfully be nothing more than a loose u bolt



I'm currently saving my pennies for an overhaul of the suspension, new cart springs and Rutherford Avos this winter and a general clean up underneath.

Thanks again for the sage advice.

yours
Lumpy