Front Dampers

[pgp001]

My Traveller is currently with my local garage having a full set of new eye bolts, swivel pins and trunnions etc fitted.

I called in last night to check progress and whilst under the car I grabbed the front damper lever to see if it had any play in it while it was not connected to the top trunnion, I was surprised to find that the damping effect was quite good.

You may be wondering why I should be surprised.
Well my car at some time before I bought it has had telescopic front dampers fitted, so I was expecting the original ones to move with very little resistance, I think I have read somewhere that a restrictor valve in the original damper should be removed when tele's are fitted.
I am now thinking this might not have been done, can anyone tell me how much resistance to expect from the original dampers both with and without the restrictor please.

Also, if I do need to check this restrictor how do I go about doing it.

Is there any big downside to having both sets of dampers working together ?

Thanks
Phil

[RobThomas]

On the ones I have here, trying to turn them by hand when not bolted to anything is bloomin' hard work. Not tried without the valve but ought to be almost nothing other than friction.

Whip the valve nut off of the bottom and see what the valve looks like inside (photo?).

[Declan_Burns]

This is what the valve should look like.

Regards
Declan

[pgp001]

That is a good photo.

Am I correct in saying the valve spindle and springs etc should be removed altogether, and just use the plug to keep oil in for lubrication only ?

Phil

[philthehill]

The damper valve should be removed completely when tele dampers are fitted otherwise the two dampers can act against each other.
The original damper arm then only acts as the top suspension link.
Once the damper valve has been remove refill the damper with engine oil as the pivot bushes inside the damper still need to be lubricated.
My own Minor fitted with SPAX tele dampers on the front has had the original damper valves removed.

[Declan_Burns]

Phil,
A very useful link!
Thanks
Declan

[philthehill]

Declan
I think you must be referring to the link posted as regards clutch linkage as I have not posted a link in this thread.
Phil

[Declan_Burns]

Phil,
You are right!
Just one of those days!
Regards
Declan