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MG MGF Technical - ride height

Her indoors is complaining that her 95 vvc seems lower than usual.I think she is just too impatient over speed humps,however is there a method of measuring the correct clearance?,can't seem to find in the archives Thanks
p withington

Paul

I went to archive, typed RIDE HEIGHT in the box, selected THIS PHRASE and clicked START SEARCH

The first hit pointed here

http://www2.mgcars.org.uk/cgi-bin/gen5?runprog=mgbbs&mode=archiveth&subject=69&subjectar=69&thread=2003083013164730393

Hope this helps.

By the way - I repeated the archive search and got a completley different set of results!!!!! This ofetn happens when I search. I use search engines several times every day in my work and can offer no explanation for this happening.
JohnP

Paul

No proof, but I've suspected for some years that speed bumps make the suspension sink. On some roads, any speed above 10mph mph is sufficient, because most speed bumps, at least around Watford, have too steep a ramp and are too high. The best technique I've found for dealing with traffic pillows is to drive down the centre of the road so that the wheels travel over the side of the pillow where it is not at full height.

The official IAM method is to brake hard at the last minute to dip the front of the car. The idea is to make the spring rebound coincide with the moment you you travel onto the bump, which is supposed to lessen the overall shock.

I've found no obvious damage to the suspension but if I don't get it pumped up regularly, the car grounds on the blighters.

Chris
Christopher Marshall

<The idea is to make the spring rebound coincide with the moment you you travel onto the bump, which is supposed to lessen the overall shock>

This "official IAM method" works best with a 2 wheeler - approach hump, get in correct gear, brake hard, release brake, open throttle, clear the hump, land on rear wheel.

Works for we observers and also works very well for our Class1 examiner.
JohnP

John, so pulling a rear wheel wheelie until the front wheel clears the bump, pulling on the anchors so the 'bike lands and then does a front wheel wheelie, thus completely clearing the speed bump is not a recognised IAM method then? ;o)
Rob Bell

A pre-hump wheelie followed by a stoppie into a doughnut with no darkie? While waving left hand in the air?

Yep, certainly gets one noticed.
JohnP

>>A pre-hump wheelie followed by a stoppie into a doughnut with no darkie? While waving left hand in the air?<<
Isn't that a Tom Cruise trick ?
oh no - he manages to change to knobbly off-road tyres in the middle as well.

In the F, I also brake hard and drive over on the rebound - it works well.
On two wheels, I don't brake at all - I just lift my weight off the seat and the bumps don't cause any problems.

>>no proof, but I've suspected for some years that speed bumps make the suspension sink.<<
Funny you should say that - after a main access road near me had bumps fitted, I needed my suspension pumping up - after several stable years.
Steve

JohnP - Off topic - Didn't know that you 'Observe' - presumably only on two wheels? Interested because I am also involved on four wheels (with both organisations).

Mike H
Mike Hall

Yes Mike, 2 wheels only.

Difficult to 'maintain adequate progress' these days in 4 wheels; easy to spend an hours observation and only get 1 or 2 overtake chances.

In our area the word from examiners is that they no longer condone 'crossing white' to get a clearer view and go ballistic at 'straight lining'.

So different from when I went out with the traffic cops from Alperton: "do what you want today, if I think you are getting dangerous I will drop back, the cops in Buckingham know we are passing through and will only pull for 'dangerous', try to get below 100 as you pass Chequers".
JohnP

>> A pre-hump wheelie followed by a stoppie into a doughnut with no darkie? While waving left hand in the air?
Yep, certainly gets one noticed. <<

Definitely, especially if you happen to be firing a machine gun held in that left hand...

Paul, back to your question of measuring ride height: http://www.mgf.ultimatemg.com/group2/DIY/suspension/howto_lower.htm#with

Measure from the centre of the MG badge to the wheel arch lip vertically above it. Should be 268mm ±10mm front, and 263mm ±10mm rear.
Rob Bell

typo?
JohnP

Thanks John: 368±10 or 368±10 mm front and rear respectively :o)
Rob Bell

On a similar track - What is the front ground clearance on cars that are lowered with nuckles AND fitted with a spoiler/splitter ?
Steve Ratledge

considerably less than the height of a standard kerb stone and less than many speed humps.

Sorry Steve, not most specific answer you will get. Also depends on the pressure in the balls which is dependant on the ambient temperature.
JohnP

Front splitters don't actually reduce ground clearance. The crucial difference is the approach angle: because the splitter protrudes out the front of the bumper, the splitter can hit the speed bump before the wheel rides over the bump - wherein lies the potential problem.
Rob Bell

I don't get a problem with speed bumps even with a lowered F fitted with KH splitter. I even get away with the angle of attack (as Rob describes) on ramps like those to get on and off cross-channel ferries.

However, as JohnP points out, the height is below a modern kerb height and parking (front to kerb) in parking bays requires some care.
Dave Livingstone

This thread was discussed between 07/10/2004 and 08/10/2004

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