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MG MGF Technical - Worn wheel bearing symptoms, or something else?

Alarming new cornering characteristic my '96 F is scaring me with - only at 50mph+, on moderate left-hand bends: feels like the offside rear wheel is snaking in a regular pattern. Feels steady in a straight line, and on right hand bends, no other symptoms that I can detect. All bushes were swapped for PowerFlex items a month ago, gas adjustable shocks fitted all round, and the geometry set to BBS spec, and all bolts tightened to correct torque (and then double and triple checked!)

The REALLY puzzling bit is that I noticed this on the way to the Bedford track day, so was a bit apprehensive about going on the track. Once on the track though, didn't feel a thing - everything behaving perfectly (except sometimes the driver!). Even after a 40 minute session, still felt normal.

The drive home confirmed that it's still snaking as before, possibly a little more noticeable now, so that leaves me even more puzzled. So, before I order new bearings, has anyone had similar symptoms that turned out to be something different?
Mike Hankin

Sounds like what happened to my Mk I VVC, the left rear wheel hub had started disintegrating and needed replacing! Get it looked at now, as the mg dealer wouldn't let me have the car back until I'd had it fixed as it wasn't roadworthy!

Ian

Ian

Thanks Ian, seems that replacing the whole hub is the preferred option, as a worn bearing could have damaged the carrier already. I prefer doing repair work just the once ;-)
Mike Hankin

Have you fitted new tyres to the back recently?. I had this after fitting a couple of Avons to my sprite. Handling felt like I had a flat on one side when cornering but nothing obviously wrong. I contacted Avon and went around to see one of their tech guys who suggested I swap the tyres on the back to the other side which resulted in the behaviour ocurring when cornering left rather than right. Back at Avon I told the guy same problem but the other side so the guy gave me a credit note for a new tyre but wouldn't say what the problem was. New tyre fixed it so I assume the tyre was defficient in some manner.
D Billington

Mike - off topic - did you get the email regarding the engine sale?
Rob Bell

Hmm, interesting. The F1 GSD2 rears were replaced not long ago, and once bedded in felt fine, and performed very acceptably around Silverstone & Castle Combe, and on the road. Going to take the wheels off for a spin-up and visual check, then next step is to try the old 15" wheels on the back.
Mike Hankin

Rob, err no sorry. mike at smallworld-it dot com? I think my budget is shrinking fast, though!
Mike Hankin

Ah - no - it was sent to you btconnect dot com address?

I shall forward the correspondance...
Rob Bell

Mike, you should have mail. ;o)
Rob Bell

Thanks Rob, I've emailed Stu. And I think I've discovered the root of the snaking too - hub to lower suspension arm bolt has worked loose, looks like the tube of Loctite may have passed it's 'use-by' date... Seems even liberal copperslip on the faces of the PowerFlex bushes doesn't stop some turning force being transmitted to the bolt.

Going to add a locknut on the exposed end of the (freshly Loctited) bolt too just to be safe, and then I'll start worrying about all the other bolts on the rear suspension I've used the same stuff for :o(
Mike Hankin

A bit scary that Mike! But at least you found the problem - and it is cheap to rectify! :o)
Rob Bell

Now more amazed than ever that I didn't get spat off the track at Bedford, in fact the car felt better than the last outing. Maybe slackening them off again for Cadwell wouldn't be a good plan though ;-)

Mike Hankin

This thread was discussed between 02/06/2005 and 03/06/2005

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