Did a bit more inspecting of the '74 Midget looking for the reason it
sometimes clunks on deceleration or acceleration. Seems I might have
suspension issues both front and back.
Front:
Did the wheel rock test as per Haynes. Rocked the wheel with hands in the
12:00 and 6:00 positions. Both front wheels rock slightly. By slightly
I'd say there is about 1/16" or a bit more play in each of the wheels. I
didn't see any other play among the bushes, etc so I'm thinking kingpin?
Reading up on all this makes it sound tricky and I may just have it looked
at professionally. There are just some areas that one wants to be sure of
and besides it would be a good time for a pro to inspect the brakes.
Another area which must be spot on.
Rear:
Here a visual inspection gives me the feeling the springs should be
replaced. Whereas the front looks clean and rust free (must have been done
recently) the rear springs and u-bolts etc look very rusty. The rubber
bushings at the rear are very deteriorated also. Another odd thing. The
two springs don't look the same! Could this be why the car is so jumpy? :)
What I mean is this. The passenger's side is 5 leaves thick at the
thickest. In between each of these 5 thick leaves appears to be a very
thin leaf. On the driver's side there are no such thin leaves. Now the
rear seems easier to replace. I think I could handle that job. Any advice
on what I need to make sure I replace at the same time as the leaves? I
would plan on doing the leaves and any rubber bushes. Do I really need to
do u-bolts or any of the other parts?
Thanks for reading so far in if you made it this far. And thanks for any
advice.
Philip
Burgundy 1974 Midget
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