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MG MGF Technical - Handling Problem

Hello guys,

I still have a problem with my R reg VVC's handling, feels a bit wobbley on corners. Snakes very slightly.

Anyway went to the garage and had, tyres, shocks and suspention checked and it all seemed fine.

So still don't know what the problem is.. Any ideas team?

They also said that it could be bushes but he kind of checked them and thinks that they are fine too.

Regards,
Mike Gibson
Mike Gibson

Hi Mike,

sounds as though you've already done all the basic checks. That leaves tracking, our old favourite.

As the rear toe-angle tends to toe-out (it should be 0 degrees, 10 minutes toe-IN ± 6 minutes), the rear end stability reduces, and tends to oversteer in corners at ever lower speeds. This sounds as though this is what is happening in your case.

Best get a 4 wheel geometry check at a local tyre specialist - should cost circa 40 quid.
Rob Bell

Could be wheel bearings, had this, missed by MOT people, picked up by B&G, car was SO much better afterwards.

Will
Will Munns

Guys,

forgot to add that I also had four wheel tracking done and that was fine.

Will what sort of noise/feeling will I get from wheel bearings gone?

Regards,
Mike Gibson
Mike Gibson

Did you check the ride height, if it's too high it can cause the handling to feel very strange. Also if the tyre pressure is way too high you get a driving on ice effect. Mind you after my experience with several MGR dealers I am reluctant to trust their findings.
T.E.D.

Hi Ted,

Not tried that as yet, is it expensive to have checked?

What sort of effect it give?

Regards,
MG
Mike Gibson

Mike,

Ride height/Tyre pressures are free to check.

Ride Height measure distance from centre of wheel, to wheel arch. should be 368 +/- 10mm.

Tyre pressure, just find a local garage, should be about 28 psi.

I've just replaced, my rear two tyre, and had to get my suspension raised (as tyre was rubbing wheel arches, when taking right hand bends at speed.)


now the tyres don't rub, but car does feel as though its lost a lot of grip.
=> i'll need to check my tyre pressures i guess.

paul weatherill

I know you mentioned having had the dampers and suspension checked, did they check all the suspesenion bushes as well?
Rich

Hope you all enjoy the novel spelling of suspension!
Rich

Yeah I think that they did check those bushes, why would they cause this Rich?

Regards,
MG
Mike Gibson

>>Will what sort of noise/feeling will I get from wheel bearings gone?<<

Typically a noise that gets worse on cornering, although, it appears, on MGFs this noise is often not heard, which is odd.

Might be worth check the condition of the various ball joints (track rod ends) - and this is done by raising the car, safely suspending it, and then attempting to wobble the wheel in both vertical and horizontal planes. Any local mechanics should be able to perform these checks (and probably also rectify the problem) very cheaply if you are not quite sure what you are looking for.
Rob Bell

Thanks guys I will check these things out..

Regards,
MG
Mike Gibson

The bushes control the way the arms move. The rubber in them flexes allowing the control arms to move in a set direction but stops them moving in undesired directions. After alot of use the rubber wears out and they are unable to ensure the arms move in the direction originally intended and hence you get dodgy handling. With the wheel off and the bits cleaned up you will be able to see the rubber, if it has cracks or is looks as thou the rubber is moving away from the metal then its time for a new set. Main places to look are all the points where the suspension is mounted to the body or to the wheel hub.
Rich

Mike,
It sounds like your problem is something amiss with your car, but it is worth trying some compliance washers (£10) they do stop the rear wheels "steering" in corners, and I have found them to prevent the rear of my F "snaking" as power is applied or lifted off in corners.
Jason H
Jason H

This thread was discussed on 07/11/2002

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