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MG MGF Technical - groaning from front susp/steering - please help

Just after an extremely expensive 5 year service (cam belt + new tires, mot, tracking and rear indicator bulbs) my front end seems to have developed a groaning noise when driving slowly over small bumps. When I rock the front end I get a similar groaning noise. I am hoping this is something cheap like a dried up knuckle/joint (weather being so stunningly dry and hot at the mo - makes me glad I bought a softtop). The cars not sagging and the steering seems fine but I am somewhat edgy after an unfortunate incident 3 years ago with a VW minibus, lack of steering and the central reservation of the M1, so would like to get it sorted.
However, I suspect if I take it to the garage they'll have no idea and just start replacing bits at random until it stops!

So anybody any ideas that might stop me going over the £1000 mark spent on maintenence this month??

Thanks in advance - sorry about rant but still in shock from 5 year service (ahhhhhhh....)

rich r
richard rowland

When I had similar situation, the MOT guys blamed it on worn track rod ends. This was more of a knocking though. Mike Saturs track rod ends are cheaper than MGR's.
Russell

The lower ball joints is the other to look for (more expensive though)

The upper could have gone as well and worst case would be the ball knuckles far below at the hydragas pistons.

HTH
Dieter
Dieter K.

I have the same thing on my '98 1.8i.

I've had it looked at it twice and it's still there.

The whole suspension has been checked over and greased as well as replacing some bushes but the symptoms persist.

Unfortunately I couldn't replicate for them on the spot so it looked like I was a loony hearing noises!

Anyway, as there don't seem to be any other adverse effects I'm just going to drive it till it can be identified.

If you do get to the bottom of it, I'd be very interested to know the cure as if I'm not loony, it'll probably drive me that way soon.

cheers

Simon
Simon Martin

Shock absorber bushes perhaps?
Rob Bell

Cheers for all advice. I am going up to have a chat with B and G's today. Will advise if I find anything
richard rowland

I've had the same problem for the last few months and Osellis checked the whole front end, steering, knuckles, track rods, bushes etc, etc and found nothing. They lubricated what they could, had it on the ramps, test drove it three times and it's still there! Arrrgggghh. They didn't charge me as they said 'Didin't replace anything'. Good service even though they didn't cure it.
When you find out whats causing it please, please let me know.

John.
JFK

Richard,

I have the same problem, groaning that appears to resonate through the steering column- sounds like somethink is under stress. Again checked and lubricated the obvious. In the end I was told some cars just get dry (noise began late may), at present I just live with it, as their are no adverse effects to the performance of the vechicle - if you do find the cause please post - put the rest of us out of our misery!

Simon B

Ah so I'm not alone! I've got it too but not had a chance to look at it yet. Seems to be worse when first driving off and then settles? Had lowering knuckles fitted at B&G a couple of months ago and they said all looked ok then. Just curious now as there seems to be no adverse effect.

Will be watching this thread with interest....

Ian
Ian

I've had this cropping up recently too. After grovelling underneath the car for a couple of hours checking everything last night the only thing that definitely isn't right is a slightly worn track rod end.

It doesn't seem to be worn enough to make ALL of the grumbling noises and the 'rattling' feeling coming through the pedals / steering column.

When I've changed it I'll let you know if it cured the problem.

Al
Alan Brooke

This thread was discussed between 12/08/2003 and 14/08/2003

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