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MG MGF Technical - Rear Tie Bar Bushes

Could you please advise me on rear tie bar bushes eg. what do they do, where are they and how much do they cost to get replaced at the local garage. Am I correct in saying it is better to renew with poly bushes rather than rubber ones.can anyone e mail me a picture to show location I would appreciate if you could help.
Thanks
Craig

see Rob's site http://www.mgf.ultimatemg.com/ DIY, Technical, Suspension, Upgrading Suspension, Tie Bar Bush
John Ponting

John thank you so much for the speedy reply to my dilema, the web site will keep me reading all night and it would from my first look give me all the answers i need.
thanks again John
Craig

Craig,

As you may see from the notes on Robs site Tie bar bush replacement is a fairly straight forwards DIY job. I'm sure that a local garage will charge you for about a couple of hours of their time so it is well worth considering as home tinkering.

I bought my poly bushes from Victoria at the MGF centre 01902 403045. One thing to consider though is that after fitting you really ought to get the tracking reset according to the notes on Rob's site.

Once fitted you will find that the car is more controlable under braking. There is another alternative to fit compiance washers. These are a slightly cheaper option but perform the same function though they still rely on the existing rubber bushes (I must say that when I removed the old rubber items I could se that their useful days were numbered)

If you do decide to change them yourself and have any questions drop me a line.

Tim
tim woolcott

Tim - I'm looking forward to seeing your article on this appearing in our favourite MG publication! :o)

Thanks John for citing the site: Craig - hopefully you'll find what you need there, but let us know if there are any questions unanswered :o)
Rob Bell

Thanks Tim for your comments. I ahve mailed to get some prices, the car belomgs to my wife who is not happy at driving it anymore, i have told her to use mine until fixed bit as she knows me and scratches and dents she will not use my car incase of any damage. Will let you know my outcome and if ur help is needed i'll shout.By the way the website was great.
craig

Craig, what exactly is the problem with the car which has stopped your wife driving the car. Is there some sort of handling problem....?

Poly bushes are a good idea and can fix certain handling problems but there may be some other areas to consider....
tim woolcott

Tim well where do i begin. the steering is so responsive,theirs a grinding/whirling sound from the n/s rear wheel when in motion,theirs a loud sqeek from the o/s front when turning right over 30mph, you feel every bump which shudders inside the car and last but not least you feel like the car is going to loose the rear end most of the time.
If you ask me Tim she's looking for any reason not to drive it. LOL
Any help or advice you can give will help me sleep at nights. Any local MGF know all apart from a stealer would be a good start.
craig

Craig.

I think it would be worth jacking the car up on each corner in turn and see if there is any play in the wheel, if the wheel can be lifted up and down then you may need a new hub, if the wheel can be twisted then the ball joints may need replacing this is not uncommon. This may explain handling defects.

You may also find that the shocker bushes have deteriorated in which case they will need replacing, you can use poly bushes from Mike or Victoria at about 35 quid I think. (you can find my instructions for this on Robs web site). Also check the condition of the shocks themselves, they arn't the greatest shocks in the first place but they do help a little.

Also is the height of the car correct and has the four wheel alignment been done correctly...?

Lots of stuff to consider.

Drop me an email and I can elaborate further.

Tim
tim woolcott

This thread was discussed between 22/09/2003 and 27/09/2003

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