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MG MGA - MGA Rear Axle Play

Hi Im new to the MGA having just bought a nice 1957 1500. One question I have is on looking over the car there seems to be a lot of backlash / play is the rear axle. If I grab the prop by hand there is movement between turning forward and reverse. Hope this makes sense and is it normal ?
Thanks Paul
p anderton

This is a common problem with wear in the differential that can often be cured with new thrust washers. Sometimes it's attributable to wear between the 1/2 shaft splines and the differential gear that requires a more expensive solution. If you look in Barney Gaylords site you will get chapter and verse.
J H Cole

Check the rear U-joint as well.
Art Pearse

Thanks I assume you are referring to the MGAGuru? I have done a quick search and cant find much. I will try later. Is the thrust washer replacement an easy change?
Thanks
p anderton

Work on the differential is not something that should be done by someone who is not familiar with it. (IMHO), While many folks do their own, I do not recommend it...It isn't complicated, but can cause serious damage if not done exactly right....Consider taking it to a professional.
Edward
Edward Wesson 60MGA

You have to search around for the relevant sections because Barney's guide is so large now but try RA108,109,109A,202A for starters plus the Chicagoland MG tech tips on changing the diff gears. It's not particularly difficult but you need a torque wrench and digital micrometer to measure your existing and new thrust washers. I think Barney recommends trying to source repro bronze washers rather than fibre (assuming this is the problem) but they may not be readily available. Somewhere Barney gives suggested backlash figures between prop shaft rotation and diff that you should measure before embarking because most owners have to live with some backlash. You need to work spotlessly cleanly.
J H Cole

Thanks I will have a look for those figures. Can you recommend any Midland based MG specialists? not just for this but for other jobs which may require attention. I'm pretty good with the spanners but not always willing due to time...
p anderton

Hi Paul,

Where abouts are you in the (non existent) county of Hereford & Worcester?

Can't help you with local MG specialist myself, I'm afraid, as i tend to do most stuff myself (and those I have had dealings with I wouldn't recommend anyway).

Are you in the MGCC or MGOC? They will have a list of local MG specialists.


Chris Bond.



Chris Bond

Hi Chris I'm in Bromyard and a member of MGCC. I took the MGA for an mot and the tester (who has a Healey 3000) found the axle U bolts were loose, so the whole axle was rotating. Tightened now and I've ordered some new. So hoping this is the major problem. Where are you? I'm ok doing most mechanical repairs.
Cheers Paul
p anderton

I am surprised that you were able to move the loose axle by hand with the car's weight on it. Is the play you found still there or has it diminished?
Art Pearse

When it was on the MOT ramp supported under the springs (jacking point) by trying to turn the rear wheels (with foot brake applied) the axle was moving, rotating in the U bolts. we managed to nip them at the MOT station which removed the play. I have just replaced the one side and just doing the other.
p anderton

This thread was discussed between 08/05/2014 and 12/05/2014

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