TC Rear Springs ID

[loustaller]

The rear springs on my TC EXU are stamped with: MG 99561 Berry. Are these aftermarket or did Berry supply springs to the factory?

[Steve Simmons]

Those are factory original. Berry was the manufacturer of springs for M.G. for many years.

[loustaller]

I brought my rear springs into Deaver Spring in Santa Ana on Monday. They have been in business since 1892 making and repairing springs so they should have no problems with 72 year old springs. I printed the page from Blower's book with the specs so they know the proper arch etc. I'll have them back by the weekend which will enable me to move on. Fun stuff!

[Steve Simmons]

The narrow size of the leaves is usually the issue getting them made. I'd love to see how they come out!

[loustaller]

They are re-arching my "Berry" springs not fabricating new ones so the narrow width won't be an issue.

[Duncan M]

All 4 of my Brockhouse "Berry" springs were in great shape, but benefited from the process outlined in this article. As in the leaf end cleanup, high zinc paint and graphited (pure) silicon grease.
https://ttypes.org/front-leaf-springs-on-the-tc/

[Steve Simmons]

After suffering a main leak failure, I've just finished refurbishing a set of originals to replace the springs on my TC. I'll be writing an article for TCMG on it eventually, but here is the finished product. I actually prefer slightly worn springs that ride a bit lower and softer. Many of the BMC race cars replaced the rear springs with softer ones to improve handling on rough terrain. I've been happy with my 70+ year old springs so I decided to go with another used original set.

The springs were blasted, then coated in POR15, top coated and lubricated with standard grease. These are rears of course but other than the clamping method, the principle is the same.

[Duncan M]

Properly maintained and lubricated springs will always give a better ride than rusty springs. When lubed, leaf springs will have every bit of springiness as the ever so popular rusty version. After slathering in grease of choice (preferably one that will not seperate, like 100% Silicon grease, with graphite powder mixed in) the trick is to keep dirt and weather out, and grease in. Leather gaiters serve an important purpose. 1950's hot rodders came up with the use of Denso tape as gaiter, carefully wrapped around and around. It does give a bit non-stock look to the springs.

These wrapped springs have several thousand miles on the Denso tape, and 6 years. When new suspension bushings are called for, I will probably take the opportunity to unwrap and take apart to grease again, and re-wrap with new Denso tape.

IMG_1012.JPG (50 KiB) Viewed 1500 times

[Steve Simmons]

Part of a chassis service used to include lubricating and cleaning springs. The mechanic would jam a wedge-shaped tool between each leaf, and high pressure oil would blast through it. As you're unlikely to find a garage with such a tool these days, grease is definitely the best option.