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MG MGF Technical - 'loose' steering take 2

Hi, for some reason i cant see the replies on the other thread, thought id try re-posting:

Hi all,

I have just purchased a '93 1.8i, 95k miles, 1 lady owner, good service history £320 (Bargain!). I have taken it our for around 30 miles today and noticed a few things that concern me and I don't know if these are "just how they drive" or not...this is only F i have driven...

The steering feels quite disconnected, like there maybe some play in the rack. How can i check this? Its almost like the car wanders a litter.

When braking at medium force the car seems to pull to the left. I will check all discs and pads thouroughly at the weekend.

Are there any known issues I should be aware of and any tips on resolving them?

Rob

R McGeown

As before The MGF was only introduced in the Autumn of 1995 so check on you registration documents for date.

Also is it EPAS or manual steer?
Ted Newman

Hi Ted,

It was a typo, thanks. Its a '98 :)

I am not sure if it is EPAS, how can i check this?

Rob
R McGeown

98 MGF usually will have EPAS. See for a motor attached to the steering column below the dash.

Anyway, your problem will be related to the tracking of the car.
First of all check the ride height, and let refill the hydragas suspension to the right height.

Also check the conditions of all ball joints at the front and at the rear suspension for play.

Regards
Dieter

Dieter

I have remove the EPAS fuse and it seems more stable to me, maybe its subjective, but I much prefer the "feel" now.

I will get the tracking and alignment checked.
R McGeown

Ball joint wear can give the steering a very vague feeling, the MGF is no exception. Tracking out alone, can cause the problem. Before going to the expense of a pump up, check the ride height on a level surface from the wheel arch to the middle of the wheel on both sides. do not get it tracked before you get it pumped up. If it is low. As the correct tracking reading will alter with the suspension height.
Gary Luxon

Forgot to add, the correct height from wheel arch to wheel center should be 365mm +-10%.
Gary Luxon

Hi Gary,

Thanks for the info. I took some quick measurements and got something different for each wheel.

Average, fronts are 335, rears are 345,so I guess they need pumping up!

I will find a local garage that can do it.

Rob
R McGeown

I put the car up on stands today to take a look the bushes all round, whilst there i checked the wheel bearings. Both front bearings have excessive play and need replacing, this could account for some of the loose steering and wandering.
R McGeown

Just as an update, turns out the track rod ends had excessive play and I have replaced them. Steering is a lot more positive although there is till lots of room for improvement, tracking, bushes etc
R McGeown

This thread was discussed between 11/04/2013 and 24/04/2013

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