QuestionHi Barrie, I'm new to vintage cars, have just picked up a 1977 MG Midget (from England at some stage).
The front of the car seems to bounce a lot when driving(over bumps), is this normal or does the front suspension need fixing?
The wiper fluid/squirters don't work, where do I begin to look, at blocked pipes or the motor and wireing?
Reverse lights did but now don't work.
And lastly for now, the steering wheel can be pulled back 4 or 5 inches. Is this very dangerous and how can it be remedied?
Many thanks, Fergal
AnswerHi Fergal.
If the front end bounces, then probably the front shock absorbers are not working. They should be full of hydraulic oil, so take the threaded bung out and check. If they are empty, go to a farmer's supplier and buy some hydraulic oil, preferably ISO32 specification. Or a motor factor may sell you some oil for topping up a hydraulic jack. Same stuff. Do not use engine oil. If the oil leaks out of the unit, then you need to fit exchange units.
The screenwash pump does fail. If you cannot hear it working, replace it. If you CAN hear it working, then either the bottle is empty or the pipes are blocked. Start by poking a pin down the jet holes.
Reverse lights are wired via a switch on the side of the gearbox. The switch often fails. Try jumpering the switch with a piece of wire to test whether the problem is with the switch or elsewhere.
The steering wheel problem is a major safety issue. Your steering column is in a dangerous condition. The inner column is in two pieces designed to slide inside one another. When new, they were welded together with an injection of nylon. At some time the steering wheel has received a hit which has sheared the nylon. It is designed to collapse in the event of a crash. It can also collapse if you hit it with a hammer when trying to remove the steering wheel. You need another column. For a good second hand unit, contact Andy Jennings in Southamppton.
