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MG TD TF 1500 - Damaged bottom link TD

Good day again,
I have run into my first part that is damaged enough that I can't get it off. The bottom link on the right side is bent down near the taper on the swivel pin. It won't screw off because it is bent against the taper. I tried to pry it thinking it was soft....well, not that soft. So, I am thinking of grinding away at the surface of the top link until it is thin enough to pry it away from the swivel pin. Do you think that is a reasonable approach, or am I missing something?

Thanks,
Jim

JV Smith

have you removed the steel tube that the bolt goes through. If not it will foul on the swivel pin threads and prevent removal. part "E" in the manual fig K4 on page K6.
Ray TF 2884
Ray Lee

Yes, the steel tube is out.
JV Smith

when you say "RH hand side" do you mean "passenger side side" (USA)
Ray
Ray Lee

yes, passenger side U.S.
JV Smith

if you are positive you have removed the steel tube, then the brass of the link is going to be softer than the steel swivel pin, and you will not damage the pin. I would lock the assembly tightly in a vise and unscrew it by force with a rod through the swivel for leverage, knowing that the swivel is junk anyway.

Tom Lange
MGT Repair
t lange

Thanks Tom, That makes perfect sense. I'll take that route.

Jim
JV Smith

A long time since I pulled mine apart... but I have a feeling that they have different threads (right hand and left hand threads) depending which side of the car?

Rhys
R Alexander

Rhys.
that is why I asked,LH side is L/H thread. 40 odd years ago when I bought my TF I did not realise this and destroyed a link trying to get it off. I then found the pin was worn and a new pin would have cured everything.
Ray TF 2884
Ray Lee

Rhys and Ray,
Good comments. It's true, the threads are left handed on the left (driver, U.S.) and right handed on the passenger side. However, I have the top link off. The bottom link does thread a little in the correct direction, but it only turns maybe a turn and then stops when it reaches the end of the taper. I am pretty sure it is because it is bent against the taper.
Jim
JV Smith

Good news,
I took Tom's advice and resorted to brute force. Worked like a charm. Thanks Tom. Without much experience, I guess I just needed a little encouragement. Thanks for all the help.

So, on to the next challenge. The right swivel pin is bent. I guess this area took a bigger hit than I first thought. Also, the steering knuckle has a "flat spot" that the left one doesn't have. It is damaged in this area. I don't know if it is damaged beyond use. I have included photos of the swivel pin and steering knuckle.

My understanding from the manual is that I have to remove the steering arm and then remove the swivel pin. Is this a pretty straightforward process? I haven't tried to remove the steering arm yet.

If the photo tells you that the steering knuckle is damaged beyond use, I won't bother to try to remove the swivel pin. What do you think?

Thanks,

Jim





JV Smith

I would also check the steering arm for a bend. A knock that bends the kingpin can also bend the arm. I have just been working on a friends car with a strangely curved arm.
The arm is easy to remove,undo the nut and press it out, it also has a key.The king pin will come out the old fashioned way with a hammer, but press in the new one.
Keep careful note which side it enters from (stub axle is angled)
Ray TF 2884
Ray Lee

Jim
If you need used replacement part let me know. I have some spare parts for sale.

Gary
763-226-5789
gl krukoski

Thanks Ray,

I don't think it's bent, but I'll double check the steering arm. Gary, thanks for the offer. Do you have a list of the parts you have?

Jim
JV Smith

Jim
I have several thousand spare parts for sale. Just let me know what items you need.

garykrukoski At yahoo dot com
or send me a text with your Email

Gary
gl krukoski

Thanks Gary,

I may take you up on that as I get further into the project. AS it turns out, I found a rolling chassis for sale at a really good price at a museum near me, so I will wait and see what parts are serviceable before I make parts decisions.
Jim
JV Smith

This thread was discussed between 28/06/2020 and 03/07/2020

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