The 'E' Type Forum

I have a broken spring on my RHS bonnet balance link assembly - there are 2 springs on each side of the car and I intend to replace the pair whist I am at it.

Can anyone offer any advice on changing a spring?

When the bonnet is open the springs don't look to be under tension. However they are held in both ends by very small split pins which seem very difficult to get out (rusty, etc). Therefore I was wondering if it would be much easier to remove the whole balance link assembly off the car and then sort the springs out on the bench.

If I do this are there are issues regarding the bonnet - does it need to be supported more than just say having a support between the front of the cylinder head and the middle of the bonnet or something more substantial holding the bonnet upwards?

Any advice would be welcome.

Many thanks

In the end I managed to replace the pair of springs in situ.

Each spring has a split pin at each end and is secured against a pair of brass washers protecting the end of the spring. Of the 4 split pins only one came out on its own, the other 3 I had to drill out. Luckily I could get an electric drill to all of them. Had to be careful not to damage the washers too much since they had to be re-used.

I amazed the difference replacing the spring made. Before the bonnet only just held up on the flat and was easily knocked down. It wouldn't hold up at all on my slightly inclined drive. Now it works as intended.

vikla wrote:In the end I managed to replace the pair of springs in situ.

Each spring has a split pin at each end and is secured against a pair of brass washers protecting the end of the spring. Of the 4 split pins only one came out on its own, the other 3 I had to drill out. Luckily I could get an electric drill to all of them. Had to be careful not to damage the washers too much since they had to be re-used.

I amazed the difference replacing the spring made. Before the bonnet only just held up on the flat and was easily knocked down. It wouldn't hold up at all on my slightly inclined drive. Now it works as intended.

Well done Steve! Glad it went well and thanks for letting us know. Angus

Steve
Who did you buy your replacement springs from please ?
Thanks
Jonathan

Jonathan

Bought them from SNG Barrett .
Part no. BD19972

Steve

Hi Steve

Thanks for that

Noticed your in Weybridge, I'm over in Woking, are you going to the E type meeting at Brooklands on April 1st...my cars a full on restoration so it's years away but it would be nice to see yours

Regards
Jonathan