Owners Manual
AUSTIN
A40
SERVICE
MANUAL
L/1
REAR SUSPENSION
GENERAL
DATA
SEMI-ELLIPTIC SPRINGS SALOON & SPORTS
COMMERCIALS
-
Free Length
...
...
.
..
43~-in.
(110.14-cm.)
43%-in.
(110. 8-cm.)
Total Length ...
...
.
..
44-in.
(Ill.
76-cm.)
44-in.
(Ill.
76-cm.)
Free Camber ...
...
.
..
3!-in. (8. 89-cm.)
2!-in. (6. 98-cm.)
Laden Camber (negative)
...
2-
in. ( 5. 08-cm.)
1
t-in. (3. 81-cm.)
Deflection
...
...
.
..
5!-in.
at
5-cwt. (13. 97-cm. at 254-kg.)
4!-in.
at
5-cwt. (11.43-cm.
at
254-kg.)
Number
of
Leaves
...
.
..
9
Description
The rear semi-elliptic springs should be given regular
attention,
as
the riding comfort
of
the car is largely
dependent on their condition.
One type
of
spring has zinc interleaves between a
number
of
its top leaves
but
some models are fitted
as
an alternative to zinc interleaving, with wrapped springs;
the wrapping being gum impregnated
as
a waterproofing
medium. All springs are fitted with silentbloc bushes in
the spring eyes. The shackle bearing to the frame is
of
the phosphor bronze type which requires periodic
attention from the oil gun.
Occasional examination should be carried out to
ensure that the spring leaf clips are tight and that none
of
the spring leaves are fractured.
The phosphor bronze bearing and the silentbloc
bushes should also be checked for wear and the shackles
must be examined for possible side play.
Removing a Shackle
Chock all the wheels except the one near the spring
to be serviced. Jack the car
vntil the rear wheel is clear
of
the ground and place suitable support blocks under
the frame side member, forward
of
the spring mounting,
and under the rear axle alongside the spring to axle
securing clips. Gently lower the car on to the blocks
and remove the rear wheel.
If
an under axle type
of
jack
is
available,
it
is
better to place this under the rear axle
instead
of
the blocks,
as
this permits the axle to be raised
or lowered
as
required to relieve the load on the spring.
To remove the rear shackle complete, detach the
nuf
and spring washer on the inside
of
the lower shackle
and the locknut, spring washer and
nut
on the inside
of
the upper shackle. The shackle connecting links can now
be removed and the top and bottom shackle pins driven
clear
of
their respective bush bearings with a suitable
drift. The shackle assembly is then free.
9
To remove the shackle pin
at
the anchor or forward
end
of
the spring remove the
nut
and spring washer on
the inside
of
the pin and then drive the shackle pin clear.
Removing a Spring
Remove the front and rear lower shackle pins from
the spring
as
already described.
Fig. 1. Spring Shackle.
A. Chassis frame.
F.
Silentbloc rubber.
B.
Phosphor bronze bush. G. Silentbloc inner bush.
C. Steel shackle pin.
H.
Silentbloc shackle pin.
D.
Shackle link.
K.
Spring eye.
E. Silentbloc outer bush.
Using a box spanner release the four self-locking
Simmonds type
of
nuts from the spring clips
("U"
bolts) securing the spring
to
the rear axle. The spring,
spring clips, and the clip pad fitted between the spring
and the axle may now be lowered clear.