MG-Cars.info

Welcome to our Site for MG, Triumph and Austin-Healey Car Information.

Parts

MG parts spares and accessories are available for MG T Series (TA, MG TB, MG TC, MG TD, MG TF), Magnette, MGA, Twin cam, MGB, MGBGT, MGC, MGC GT, MG Midget, Sprite and other MG models from British car spares company LBCarCo.

MG TD TF 1500 - Tire pressure

On an earlier thread, I was asking about the rear leaf springs, and the rough ride/ bottoming out I was experiencing. Reducing tire pressure was mentioned as one means to get a more pliable ride as I was running tire pressure at 32+ PSI. The suggestion from Ray Lee was to run them at ~28 PSI.

I happened to look at the workshop manual today, and the pressure recommendation is 18 PSI. Unlikely radials for car tires were a thing back in the early to mid 50's, but even for bias-ply that seems way too low. I lowered the pressure to 25 PSI, and the ride is much better. (they are radials). Too low, then wear, handling, and fuel consumption may be compromised. Am I OK at 25...or raise it to 28?

Jim
Jim Rice

I had a talk to the Michelin rep when I fitted 165SR15 XZX and he recommended 24psi all round. So far, after 10 years be about right.
B W Wood

When I got my TD I asked and was told 28PSI, I have experimented with a few pounds lower.

On my TF I run 26/28PSI. Rides nicely.

Peter
P G Gilvarry

I run my 1952 TD at 23 all round and that seems to work for me, it is on radials and also wire wheels (don’t know if that’s makes a difference?)

I’ve tried 28 and 26 and the cars was really bouncy and harsh 23 seems right
Graham Humphreys

Thanks guys...looks like 23-28 will give a good ride. I'm running Michelin ZX 175R15's.
Jim Rice

Radials are more forgiving of low pressure than bias ply tires.
I would try going with the manufacturers recommendation and see if you like it.

(You can take a tire "crayon" and mark a heavy line across the tire tread then drive it straight ahead for a hundred feet or so and note the wear pattern and adjust the pressure accordingly. Wear in the center is too much pressure)
J Stone

This thread was discussed between 31/05/2022 and 01/06/2022

MG TD TF 1500 index

This thread is from the archives. Join the live MG TD TF 1500 BBS now