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MG MGF Technical - MG TF160 Worn Track Rod Bush

Hi,

Just come to my attention when looking for a rattling/vibration kinda noise (more about this in the minute) that the bush for the rear driver's side track rod end is showing signs of wear and needs replacing. I'm just wondering though if it's simply a case of replacing just the effected bush or if it's better (or even necessary) to replace a whole set of bushes, and possibly both front and rear of the car. The TF is now 4 1/2 years old so I'm just trying to get an idea of what related items may need attention?

Beyond this I'm also wondering/considering any possible upgrade (within reason) to the suspension that may be worthwhile. Have to admit that I'm not sure ATM how much longer I'll be keeping the TF, a new MX-5 is looking possible but not immediate, so any decision need to take this into consideration. Any suggestions?

Back to the noise...

It basically happens at any speed in a straight line, through corners and over bumpy surface. In a nutshell there doesn't appear to be any particular event that causes the noise. It sounds like something vibrating or possible coming into contact with something else. I'm pretty convinced ATM that it's probably due to worn rear brake pads - these are very low and need replacing NOW. It did seem this morning that the noise would go away when I applied the brakes which would also indicate the pads moving? What do we think?

Cheers,

Paul Lathwell
Paul Lathwell

Have you greased the front nipples recently? I know they are part of the service schedule but MGR spannermonkeys never seem to bother and once I had done mine myself it felt soooo much better.
Tony

Paul, upgrading suspension is like any 'darkside' modification - it really depends on what you are trying to achieve and how much you want to spend.

I've heard good things about the Bilstein shocks that VHS developed for the car (and now sold by the MGOC) - and would probably be the option I'd go for. The ride and handling are improved, and the cost shouldn't be too astronomic, and moreover it ought to make the car easier to sell.

Changing to poly bushes is probably going to be a step too far for you given the uncertain future of ownership.
Rob Bell

Rob,

With regards to upgrading the suspension I'm not really thinking much further than improving the ride quality by perhaps simply upgrading to later TF model shocks? that gave a better ride, i.e. standard MG fitment parts. Although if I were definately going to keep the car for a number of years then lowered better suspension all round may be more sensible.

I spoke to my dealer today and the info I got back was that the bush was not a separate part and that you have to buy the whole track rod end £166 +VAT. I have a print-out of their parts disgram that does indeed show the item as an assembly not as individual parts. If this is the case then this is really REALLY poor. I may try and get over to get this confirmed by the MG technician rather than trying to explain to a receptionist/parts dept chap. ATM, not too impressed with the possibility of having to buy a sodding assembly for the sake of a bush. :(

Cheers,

Paul Lathwell
Paul Lathwell

Rob,

I would also consider the poly bush path, but not been able to find the TF parts on either Mike Satur's or MGF Centre website, any idea of a rough cost. I'd sooner get those than pay nearly £200 for a track-rod end assembly. :)

Strangely this isn't really making it any more likely I'd swap to an MX-5 yet though - the car and the MG community still appeal. :)
Not as if I could buy another new TF afterall. I should have got a blue one - silver was a bad move. :(

Paul Lathwell
Paul Lathwell

Paul, the MY2005 were rather more than just new dampers. They changed the springs, the dampers and the antiroll bars... No idea how much all these parts would cost if purchased individually from X-Part, but I suspect that the answer will be a bit scary...

The Bilstein damper kit is meant to really improve ride quality - and hence the reason for suggesting it. There are other kits supplied by MGF Centre, Leda and, if not already then soon, Mike Satur. Certainly the first two enable you to lower the car and tune the 'sportiness' of the chassis - but by the sounds of things, this isn't quite what you're looking for right now.

With regard to polybushes, yup, I suspect you're right. I was chatting to one of the traders at Silverstone, and asked about TF bushes. He didn't have any and reckoned that they weren't available - and there are no immediate plans to tool for them as the market is perceived as being too small right now (the cars are generally too new).

But they'll become available eventually - and there is no reason why you couldn't take your damaged part to a manufacturer and ask for a PU replacement to be made for you...
Rob Bell

Rob,

>Paul, the MY2005 were rather more than just new dampers.

Right, point taken. Think I'll shelev that one then, just thought it might be better keeping it with stadard parts with regards to insurance, although I am now insured with A-Plan and mods are not a problem.

I don't think uprating the suspension to any great extent is going to be that beneficial to me unless I decide I'm gonna hold on to the car and pretty much run it into the ground.

>But they'll become available eventually - and there is no reason why you couldn't take your damaged part to a manufacturer and ask for a PU replacement to be made for you...

If I had drawing of the part or a good one to copy it would not be out of the question for me to turn one up for myself at work - can't say I know enough about the bush to just knock one up though. Don't know if I really have the inclination to bother either - lazy sod that I am. ;-)

Taking the car over to Priest after work to at least confirm what part(s) are needed and then get a price. I do hope it's not going to mean a new track-rod are though that seems just plain silly to me. Any idea if this would be a simple DIY job to do if I can just get a replacement bush?

Cheers,

Paul Lathwell
Paul Lathwell

Paul, if the bit that's worn is item 4 on
http://www.mgfcar.de/epc/6777.htm
you should be able to replace it yourself for less than £15

Re MY2005 suspension imho it gives my TF160 a much, much nicer ride than my previous '02 TF160

jt
John Thomas

John,

>Paul, if the bit that's worn is item 4 on

Nope, wrong end of the car. The worn bush is on the rear of my car.

Have since been to the dealer to confirm what part was worn and then double checked the cost. Seems the price I was initially given was for the MGF not TF. The price is actually £59 +VAT, which although much better than the £166 originally quoted is still high for what is essentially just a worn bush. Still it will have to be sorted soon.

Incidentally the noise I mentioned at the start of this thread has been cured now I've replaced the rear brake pads. :)


Cheers. :)
Paul Lathwell

This thread was discussed between 05/07/2006 and 06/07/2006

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