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MOTRS

Midget

1961-1979 / Roadster / United Kingdom

All Midget problems All workshop issues
Common Suspension

Leaf Spring Fatigue and Axle Tramp

Symptoms

The rear of the car sags. Under hard cornering on bumpy surfaces, the rear axle hops (tramping) -- a disconcerting and potentially dangerous loss of traction.

Cause

The leaf springs lose their temper over decades, reducing ride height and spring rate. Axle tramp is inherent to the live-axle-on-leaf-spring layout, but it is worsened by worn springs and dampers.

Fix

  1. 1 Replace the leaf springs -
  2. 2 standard or parabolic upgrade. Fit telescopic shock absorbers in place of the original lever-arm dampers (conversion kits: $150--300). The parabolic spring conversion ($400--700 per set) dramatically improves ride quality and reduces tramp
Cost mentioned in fix
$150$400

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// More Midget problems

Other known issues

Common Suspension

Front Suspension Wear

Clunking from the front end, wandering on straight roads, uneven tyre wear.
Minor Body and Structure

Sill Corrosion

The outer sill skin softens, bubbles, and crumbles. When prodded, it offers no resistance. In severe cases, the door drops when opened because the inner sill has lost its structural integrity.
Critical Body and Structure

Floor Pan Corrosion

Soft or perforated floors, particularly in the footwells. Wet carpets after rain. In extreme cases, visible road surface through the floor.
Minor Body and Structure

Rear Spring Hanger Deterioration

The rear leaf spring mounting points crack, distort, or tear away from the body under load.
Minor Body and Structure

Inner Wing and Suspension Turret Corrosion

The inner front wings around the front suspension top mounts corrode and thin.
Minor Engine -- A-Series (948, 1098, 1275)

Thrust Washer Wear (Crankshaft End-Float)

A metallic knocking or clunking noise from the front of the engine, particularly when the clutch is depressed or released. The clutch may feel different -- pedal travel changes, engagement point shifts.
View all 17 Midget problems