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MG MGF Technical - TF 160 suspension creak

The rear suspension on my TF 160 has been creaking for a while when going over small steps in the road, house drive ramps etc. Nothing really to worry about all looks OK and my dealer has checked it over. However, in talking to another dealer’s technician a while ago he told me there is a bulletin regarding this and they insert a washer in the suspension to cure it. He hasn't done it to a car yet and from what he remembers the suspension is compressed and the washer(s) slipped in. It sounded like it was coated with something, as they have to wear gloves on H&S grounds.

All I can find is a bulletin for the 25, 45 and 75 (TB0012 04/01 and 0004). The 'fault' is identical and the TB says it is caused by dry seal operation within the damper. The for life fix is fitting a washer to the damper impregnated with lubricant. So far so good but it doesn't apply/fit to the TF dampers. So I'm stuck.

Might be the tecnician is confused.

My dealer has contaced MGR Tech but despite chasing hasn't had a response....

The creak is getting worse. Up to 30 mph small steps / inperfections in the road surface cause creak on one or both sides/ I can visualise the damper piston stiction causing this as at higher spedds and higher movements (high energy movement) the suspension is quiet and compliant. My guess is it's the same problem as the other cars but not many TF's are affected (yet!).

Thcar is an April 02 one with 8000mls and as far as I know the suspension is std (not sports pack/lowered).

Any ideas?

Ian Walker

Ian,
The only thing I can recall is my TF160 (March 2003 - standard suspension with 10k on it) had the rear compliance bushes checked just before the summer ... All was OK.
I had a problem with the front suspension (a knocking sound rather than a creaking sound). This was apparently down to badly machined wishbones (there was 2mm play in it). I had them replaced and all has been OK since.
Steve
Steve Greenhalgh

Ian, lower bush at the rear of the trailing arm was also a 'special exercise bulletin' SE 062. Possible cause, although the shocker assembly could have been assembled incorrectly as some other Rover dampers only way to find out is remove shock/spring assembly and inspect.HTH.
Mike.
mike

Thanks guys,

Steve, the compliance bushes have been checked by my dealer and are OK. Interesting about the wishbones though!

Yesterday I took it back to the dealer who mentioned the bulletin. I spoke to the senior MG technician. He confirmed that the bulletin (TB0012) does not apply to the TF. I took him for a spin and demonstrated the creak; he drove the car too and heard/felt the creak. Good!

He had it up on the ramps briefly and (he/we) checked all the mountings, levered the suspension arms, bushes, checked the wheels had no play/movement, checked the top of the suspension, engine bay, checked the engine bay cross braces too. All fine! Nowt!

Mike, the dealer pointed out a (horizontal) bush and mentioned a 'check for clearance' but he said they look OK.

So he suggested booking it in and they'll go through it thoroughly and involve the factory if the problem can't be found.

HoHum!
Ian Walker

Mike, just re-read your post. Anymore info so I can hint to dealer?!

Ta
Ian
Ian Walker

Ian,yes your dealer is correct the TB0012 does not apply to the TF ,however the symtons sound the same and so the cure could apply, the cause is a dry shocker rod ,the cure(?) is a impregnated felt washer that is fitted around the rod to lubricate it. I would try and squirt a teflon spray onto the rod and see if the noise dissapears.This will give a temporary cure and pin point the trouble.As your dealer pointed out the TB 0012 does not apply so ask for a replacement shocker assembly;-)Also the shocker top retaining washer(which is dished) could have been fitted upside down ,after a period of 'bedding' this will cause excessive play and cause a squeak or a knock.
The SE062 applies to a small number of cars ,TF's, that had the bush at the rear trailing arm misaligned,there should be a 2mm gap between the trailing arm lower mounting to the hub,the steel insert in the bush should protrude from the trailing arm face to give the 2mm clearance between the two components. HTH.
Happy New Year.
Mike.
Mike

Thanks Mike, I didn't think of using Teflon spray - and I have some for the shock stiction on my Mountain Bike too!!!

Thanks for the info on the bush and washer. I'm looking forward to visiting the dealer now!

Cheers

Happy New Year

Ian

PS Findlay's well impressed with his ZR - must be, he thinks he can beat me!!!
Ian Walker

Ian, good luck at the dealers, re Findlay? He should be able to give you a run for ya money;-)cheers Mike.
mike

Steve,

Was the knocking noise from the front quite harsh and knocking over large bumps.

Mine is doing the same after the bodyshop have put a new erm "front" on it! (slight mishap)

Cant figure it out. Any help would be good!

Matt
M D Walton

Mike,

Any news on your planned suspension upgrade for the TF?

Per
Per

Matt,
Knocking noise was harsh, but mine knocked when simply pulling forward slowly. There were 2/3 cars with the same problem -- I am sure the details are on the BBS around March/April 2002.
Steve
Steve Greenhalgh

This thread was discussed between 25/12/2002 and 08/01/2003

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