Owners Manual
REAR
SUSPENSION
Lf3
SHOCI{ ABSORBERS AND ANTI-ROLL BAR
Description
The shock absorbers .are Armstrong double-acting
hydraulic, resistance being offered to the compression
and to the recoil
of
the road springs.
A special anti-roll bar is fitted across the rear
of
the
chassis, being firmly attached to the shock absorber
arms (see Fig.
4).
Shock absorber maintenance in position on the
vehicle is confined to the periodical examination
of
the
anchorage to the chassis, the two fixing bolts being
tightened
as
required, and inspection for leaks.
No adjustment is required or provided for, and any
attempt to dismantle the piston assembly will seriously
affect the P.erformance
of
the shock absorber. A shock
absorber that is suspected
of
being faulty must be re-
moved for testing.
H40,
11.
D.
Fig.
4.
A. Shock absorber filler plug.
B.
Shock
absorber arm rubber bearing.
C.
Rear
brake adjuster.
D.
Rear
brake balance lever. E.
Rear
axle breather.
F. Rear brake cable pivot. G. Anti-roll bar.
Testing
When there is any doubt that the rear suspension
of
the car
is
not
adequately damped, the conditions
of
the
road springs and tyre pressures should be borne
in
mind.
If
the shock absorbers do
not
appear to function
satisfactorily, an indication
of
their resistance can
b~
obtained
by
carrying out the following check:
Remove the shock absorbers from the chassis.
Place individually in a vice, taking care to grip by the
fixing lugs, to avoid distortion
of
the cylinder body.
Move the lever arm up and down through its
com-
plete stroke. A moderate resistance throughout the full
stroke should be felt.
If
resistance is erratic,
and
free movement
of
the
lever arm is noted,
it
may indicate lack
of
fluid.
If
the
addition
of
fluid
as
described gives no improvement, a
new or reconditioned unit must be fitted.
Too much resistance, when
it
is
not
possible to move
the lever arm slowly
by
hand, may indicate a broken
internal part
or
a seized piston in which case the unit
will have to be replaced.
Topping-up with Fluid
Before removing the filler plug (A, Fig. 4),
carefully wipe clean the exterior
of
the shock absorber
body. This is most important,
as
it
is vital that dirt or
foreign matter on no account enters the interior
of
the
unit.
Ensure that only Armstrong recommended shock
absorber fluid is used for topping-up.
While adding fluid the lever arm must be worked
throughout its full stroke
to
expel any air that might be
present in the working chamber.
Fluid Level
Fluid should be added to the level
of
the filler plug
hole.
Refitting the Shock Absorbers
When handling shock absorbers that have been
removed from the chassis for any purpose,
it
is important
to keep the assemblies upright
as
far
as
possible, other-
wise air may enter the working chamber and cause
erratic resistance.
Shock Absorber Arm Rubber Bushes
The rubber bushes integral with both ends
of
the
connecting link which joins the shock absorber to the rear
axle cannot be renewed. When these bushes are worn the
arm must be renewed completely.
Anti-Roll Torsion Bar
The anti-roll bar is bolted between the two shock
absorber arms, being anchored
at
each arm by a bolt,
nut
and spring washer, and by a
"U"
bolt with nuts
and
spring washers.