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MG MGF Technical - what is problem likely to be?

Hi,
I have a problem (possibly more than one) with my MKII '99 MGF.

the problem(s) is that:
1) I'm getting a vibration at anything over 40 through the accelarator pedal.
2) On braking, I sometimes get a scraping feel through the pedal, but I only changed the pads and discs four months ago (although I've done high mileage since then)

3)When moving a "car parking" speeds, moving the wheel anti-clockwise generates a rubbing, grating sound and feel. Turn clockwise = nothing... .

Had it up on ramp at friends garage, and when on ramp could generate noise and could feel it through the track rods, but could not see anything to see what would be causing it.

Moved car onto plates on ramp so wheels could move freely without friction and moved wheels - noise went all together..

Pretty certain the wheels ain't rubbin on the arches or the mudflaps etc..


I'm pretty certain they are all related but can't for the life of me figure out what it would be.


Initial thoughts were that a bearing was going but haven't heard the obvious "hummm" so not sure now.

Had four new tyres on around two months ago and track rod ends at the same time if that may be a clue.


Anyone any ideas?

Cheers for any ideas
James
J Robson

What is the condition of the steering rack rubber gaiters James? I wonder whether this might be a steering rack fault?
Rob Bell

ok. nTo 100% sure what you mean (car knowledge not THAT good).

If you mean the rubber surrounds that fit round the track ends that go into the car from the wheel, then they looked ok to me..

It was the rubber surround and the track rod on the dirvers side that was vibrating when moved at low speed..

James
J Robson

Vibrating? Sounds to me that the grease has dried or leaked out - and you are getting 'stiction' in the rack.

Have another look at those corrogated rubber boots there the track rods emerge from the steering rack. I suspect that when you straighten one out that you'll find a crack...
Rob Bell

ok will take another look at thos rubber boots..

where would the grease for this need to be added?

J Robson

I think that these units are 'sealed for life' items, so do not possess a greasing point. If it has dried, attempting to repack with grease could be an unrewarding impossibility. Replacement would probably your only recourse, unless a grease nipple could be machined into the rack's casing?

I have had my original rack replaced with one from a TF (it's faster, and feels far better too) - the details are shown here: http://www.mgf.ultimatemg.com/group2/DIY/steering_rack/index.htm
Rob Bell

I would be really interested in confirming this is what needs to be done, but am reluctant to spend close to £300 (if using tech-speed) on something that may not be the cause.

I guess I need to find a way of confirming this is the problem....

James
James

I think that inspection of the gaiters is going to be the first and best step towards confirming the cause James. You are absolutely right to try and be 100% confident before handing over money; buying an unneeded component is clearly a waste of money - but at least upgrading the rack will provide a welcome 'silver lining'! :o)
Rob Bell

Filling a steering rack is done by releasing the small clip that seals the gaitor to the track rod,then giving arund 5 pumps from a grease gun filled with a heavy oil (SAE 140 from memory rather than rather than a grease, but I'm open to correction on this). The idea is to put enough in so it can slosh around inside around the bearings and the rack itself, but don't try to pack it full because you will burst the gaitor. Resealing the gaitor can be done either with a couple of plastic ties or a hose clip. I was always told to do both ends of the rack rather than assume the oil would travel from one end to the other. Obviously you need to make sure the gaitors are in good condition or you'll get the lot dribbling down your arm.

Chris
Chris

Chris, I didn't think that the rack could be re-greased in that way? Consider me suitably educated :o) If the rack can be re-greased, it will for sure be a good deal cheaper than having to replace it. :o)
Rob Bell

This thread was discussed between 11/09/2005 and 12/09/2005

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