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MG MGF Technical - Tyres

I have noticed that one front tyre is wearing on inside edge and also one rear evenly.

Is uneven wear down to the tracking, if so can Kwick Fit fix it? Previous owner had car lowered and adjustable shocks fitted by B&G.

I have also noticed that existing front tyres are
Ventus K102 195/50 15 82V, rears are
Ventus K102 205/50 15 86V.

Handbook states fronts as being 185/55 R15 V.
Should I have these or can I replace as existing, meaning I only have to buy one tyre.

Thank's in advance.
Tim

Tim,

As other will confirm, ride height will effect the tyre wear. You ought to check the ride height first. Get in touch with B&G to find out the correct height for your car now it has lowering knuckles.

If this is incorrect then have the hydrogas pumped up to the correct height BEFORE getting 4-wheel tracking done. (Personally I do not use Kwik-fit)

Tyre size. There are few decent 185 tyres on the market and so 195 are substituted, most people do not have a problem with the change save for slightly heavier manourvering at parking speed. (I'll probably be moving to F1's next time round and so will have to have 195's on the front.)

Tim
tim woolcott

Also consider the Bridgestone RE720 (avail in 195/50/R15 and 205/50/R15) as a replacement, though with the F's attitude to tyres, I'd suggest changing all four (just on the same axle might lead to more grip on the front than on the back - not good) to the newer tyre.

How do you find your car in the wet?

Leigh
Leigh

Tim, this IS a tracking problem.

The correct ride height for a car lowered using B&G lowering knuckles is 320 mm.

Don't use Kwik Fit as they do not have the operator expertise or experience to set up an MGF properly. Best use a recommended independent and use the BBS tracking settings:

front: 0 deg 5 min toe-IN (±3 min)
rear: 0 degrees 10 min toe-IN (±3 min)

I am not aware of 'VENTUS' tyres or their performance, but using 195/50 section tyres at the front is absolutely fine - I've used this for >3 years now with absolutely no problem.

If replacing tyres, it is recommended that you replace like with like or replace all the tyres at the same time with the same brand and type (Bridgestone RE720s are a very good suggestion).

Some more info at http://www.mgf.ultimatemg.com/tyres.htm
Rob Bell

How do you find your car in the wet?

Scary.


I thaught that as I have adjustable shocks fitted (Avo I think) the hydragas suspension is redundant, is that not the case?
Tim

>>
How do you find your car in the wet?
Scary.
<<

Sounds as though you need to think about changing the tyres - the MGF is absolutely secure in the wet if you use the right tyre - Bridgestone S02/S03 or Goodyear F1s lead the field here. From reports of others, the Bridgestone RE720s make an excellent choice too.

>>
I thaught that as I have adjustable shocks fitted (Avo I think) the hydragas suspension is redundant, is that not the case?
<<

Absolutely not. Think of the hydragas system as the springs of your car's suspension. Run the pressure too low, and the spring rates become softer. Too high, and the springs become too firm. The pressure needs to be about 400 psi for optimal ride and handling - which corresponds with a ride height of 320 mm.
Rob Bell

Kwik Fit are unlikely to fit Bridgestone's to the MGF - only OE products will be supplied. Find somewhere else ! (I use Micheldever tyres). I have Bridgestone RE720s in the original sizes 185/55 and 205/50 and have no problems with handling.
However, if you are looking to replace just one or two front tyres you should seek expert advice - else you may end up with a very unsafe combination.

Steve
Steve

Do you know of anywhere that I can have the tracking and ride height adjusted?

The car is due for its 5-year service soon and I was thinking of going to Cox & Buckles in Wimbledon.

Everywhere else seems to far to travel and I want to steer clear of the MGR dealerships due to cost and attitude.
Tim

Many places can do ride height. (look for someone familiar with the Metro/Maestro/Maxi system!).

Just make sure you let it stand for at least an hour before any adjustments, then move it backwards and forwards and bounce each corner. Some say to drive round the block after setting and retest...

Isn't there a tyre place in Feltham that are supposed to know what they're doing (depends where you are in London...)

Neil.
Neil

I live in Harrow-on-the-Hill but work in Kew, any recomendations?
Tim

Brown and Gammons in Baldock shouldn't be too far away from home for you should it? Might be a little on the expensive side, but they do know what they are doing, and let's face it, they are the ones who did the work on your car originally.

Feltham tyres near Heathrow are good, and I have used them on many occasions. 4 wheel tracking costs 40 quid, which is very good value.
Rob Bell

This thread was discussed on 05/06/2002

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