Hi Mike,
Things that could fail and cause the rubbing include the front engine
steady (turnbuckle), the gearbox hold-down device, and rear spring
issues.
Let's go through them in order of ease of checking:
Engine steady---parked, with engine off, engine should be centered (
crank will slip in and out easily ). Push and pull the rocker cover and
engine should move 1/8-1/4 inch or so. If it's more, then chances are
that the rubber grommets have perished or that the turnbuckle itself has
loosened. Let me know if that's the fault and I can help talk you
through R&R.
Rear springs---if the wheel clearance looks OK in the fender well, go
underneath and inspect all springs carefully. TD springs don't break all
that often, but it isn't unknown. Usually...there's a sag on the side of
the broken spring. Also check the rubber bushings on the springs, front
and at the shackle. Today's rubber bits are pretty poor, the originals
are 50+ years old, and their failure or accumulated wear can lead to
sloppiness.
From your description of the steering, I am pretty sure that the
U-bolts need to be tightened considerably. The rubber pads underneath
springs may have perished too. I have recently changed out all the
rubber suspension bits in my MGB-GT for Pro-Thane bushings. They seem
great. My apprehension of harsh ride and excess interior noise was
unfounded. Next time I change TD bushings it will be to Pro-Thane.
Gearbox hold-down device-- is that little bolt (Moss #411-030) that
you should see protruding from underneath the rear mount support bracket
(#411-020). There should be a nut on the bolt and a securing wire. This
little gizmo is all that secures the rear of the engine to keep it from
hopping in the rubber mounts (#281-408). If the nut is missing, you
will want to replace it, the washer and probably the lower rubber
bushing. If the bolt/fork is out of the hole, get it back in and secure
with a nut. If the bolt/fork is missing, then get back to the list for
ideas about its repair or replacement.
Best of luck with your sleuthing.
Bob
On Sun, 15 Jul 2007 17:40:38 -0500 Duvall Mike <duvallcom@sbcglobal.net>
writes:
> I have a couple of questions. First, my TD drive shaft rubs when I
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