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MG MGF Technical - what’s that snap/clonk…

from the front end when i lift off the brake as i pull up to a junction?
anyone know?
thanks
tony
tony

Could be the break pads sticking to the discs freeing as you move off?

Will
Will Munns

hi will,
thanks for reply - no don’t think so because it happens without stopping - any other suggestions?
tony
tony

Maybe way off, but is there anything loose left under the bonnet, screwdriver or anything rattling about??
Nick Walters

thanks nick, worth thinking about but no there there isn’t. the noise has always been there (2 years since i bought it) and it hasn’t caused any problems, but unfortunately i have to sell the car after we’ve been on holiday with it and i fear prospective purchasers may be put off.
funnily enough will was quite right about the noise sounding just like pads snapping away from discs but it only happens if i brake and i’m still moving, not if i brake and stop.
t
tony

Just got the same thing happening on mine last week. Still haven't resolved it though. It's FNS thats doing it so I'll have the wheel off at the weekend and have a look.

John.
JFK

sorry JFK, what’s FNS?
tony
tony

oooooops!

just realised what FNS is!

i’ll get my coat…

tone
tony

Front Near Side. I noticed it when I pulled into the garage at home, like you say, release the brake and the noise appears, accelerate away (er, not in the garage) and it stops. Strange one this is.
John
JFK

JFK, mine is just a SINGLE quick snap/clonk and happens withor without accelerating away, just if i keep moving - yours sounds like it lasts a bit longer?
t
tony

Could this be suspension noise? Might be an idea to check the condition of the damper bushes (that can wear prematurely), and check the ball joints for excess play.

I presuming that your car isn't excessively low on hydragas pressure, Tony? This could allow the suspension to bottom out on decelleration, and knock on the bump stops. Mind you, I'd have expected that you'd hear the noise when riding over the bumps too, so this seems very unlikely.

Otherwise, it sounds a little like a sticking brake caliper. Worth getting checked out for obvious safety reasons.

Let us know how you get on
Rob Bell

rob, jfk, nick and will,

never mind the clonk, i’ve just had a call from my garage - the head gasket’s gone...

why me? why now? we’re supposed to be going on holiday to holland with it on saturday afternoon...

any idea how much it’s going to cost to sort out? i understand that it’s a common problem at the age of about 5 years.

’96 VVC

think i’ll go and cry into a beer or eight tonight

tony broke :-(
tony

oh dear - head gasket on my ’96 VVC - what’s that gonna cost me?

tone
tony

Top ball joint?
mike

I would say something with suspenesion, I get this occasionally and have done since the 12000 mile service (currently 69000). I have had it checked numerous times and comes and goes. I have even had the wish bone bolts replaced as it started happening after a wishbone change under warranty.

Tom
Tom Randell

It could be the top ball joint or sticking caliper, but theres no noise when the steering is turned lock to lock. I'll have a look this weekend.
Sorry to hear about your head gasket blowing Tony. You can say goodbye to the best part of £450.
JFK

Tony,
Sorry to hear 'bout your HGF. £420 ish for a straight forward HG job + £150 ish if the head needs a skim.

Call up MG custoimer services and tell 'em about the HGF - ask if they will go any way towards a goodwill gesture as its a well known/documented defect. Mention this website, and also refer to the 270 odd known owners who have added to the "Hall of Shame".
I did this and they made a 40% contribution to the HG replacement - that was for my 4 3/4 year old VVC, well out of warranty, on a car I purchased privately (all be it with a full servise history and low mileage).

Have you had the 5 year/60k mile service done already? - I would have thought so, so the belts would have been replaced already - nothing to be gained by there replacement.

Paul
Paul Lane

hi paul,

i’ve been given a figure of around £400 which i think is probably not too bad. not a main dealer but someone whom i do know to be very good and most of all have always found to be honest.

i’ve recently had the 60k service at actual mileage of 49k, so yes the belts etc should all be new.

could you please tell me more about this hall of shame as i think i will pursue this route…

thanks
tony
tony

400 quid sounds about the right ball park Tony. You have my full sympathy - jeepers, what poor timing. I hope that the car will be ready in time for your holiday?

I suppose that the faint silver lining here is that the HG could have failed on the continent :oO

The hall of shame can be found @ http://www.shame.4mg.com - a useful resource for all MGF owners.
Rob Bell

<the HG could have failed on the continent :oO>

yeah rob, it had occurred to me. thanks for hall of shame details, i’m now number 245 on the list

tony
tony

I had a similar worry one day on the way to work and blamed the transmission.

In fact it was a briefcase standing on edge in the boot and rocking backwards and forwards as I accelerated and braked.

Always look for the obvious!
Brian

perhaps i should check to see if it’s plugged in and switched on as well?

;-)
tony

This thread was discussed between 23/05/2002 and 24/05/2002

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