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Hydrolastic Fluid
The fluid is the same in both systems, and is designed for the following requirements:
Not expand or contract excessively with change in temperature
Have a long service life
Not react with the suspension components
Not freeze in winter
Not be adversely affected by the constant beating as the car rides over bumps
Maintain a constant viscocity under all conditions
Not be too expensive
Because the fluid mix chosen contained alcohol, customs and excise insisted on a further additive to make it very unpleasant to drink. The official recipe for genuine BMC/MG Rover fluid is as follows:
How to use a Hydrolastic/Hydragas pump for topping up
Caution: faulty pumps or wrong operation may cause the vehicle to drop to its bump stops. Never go under the car while working on the suspension. Avoid contact of fluid with eyes and skin- wear goggles. The Hydragas Register takes no responsibilty for damage or injury resulting from following these instructions, read pump manufacturer's documentation first.
Locate the pump up points on the car, and start with the lowest one.
Make sure the T-bar on the connector is would out fully (turn anti-clockwise).
Make sure the pump is set to pressure, and screw the connector on, tighten with a spanner (usually 11/16").
Screw the T-bar in (clockwise), this opens the schrader valve.
Switch the pump to Release to bleed the pipe between the car and the pump. The car will drop a small amount as the fluid goes down the pipe towards the pump.
Operate the pump. On interconnected systems it will rise and then drop a little as the fluid moves to the other units.
Pump up to the desired height.
Unwind the T-bar. Remove the connector and fit the dust cap.
Repeat for all units and double check the ride height afterwards.
