It usually starts with an e mail via the website. Something like ‘I like my MG TF, but ….. ‘. Many of our clients seem to have a ‘daily driver’ (SUV/works van etc) and enjoy their TF on high days and holidays. But why does it seem to require more effort to drive down the road than it should? One client was worried that he felt nervous driving the TF at a speed ‘just to keep up with the traffic’.
Two MG TFs have recently been through the VHS workshop recently, following this kind of discussion. They were very different. One highly modified, the other standard apart from our VHS Bilstein damper kit. After a short test drive, it was clear that both required investigation. After a visual inspection and four-wheel alignment, the front bump steer was checked. As expected from the test drive, there would be a benefit from optimisation. Having done a few of these over the years, we have a selection of parts that can help.
One of the cars had replacement track rod ends (TREs) fitted. Our cars are all getting on a bit, so no surprise to find this. However, it did remind me to dust off our measuring jig and check the length of the ball joint stem. The key dimension is from the ball rotation centre, up to the interface with the top arm. This positions the suspension pivot point, which (along with the other pivots) will define the bump steer characteristic. Sure enough, both TREs were too long but by differing amounts! Thankfully, I had a pair of new original TF TREs to fit, this reducing the amount a correction needed via shims under the steering levers.
It reminded me of a study I did a few years ago into this very problem. The picture accompanying this blog shows a variety of TREs sold under the correct MG part number, unfortunately with a variety of lengths. Sorry to say this again, but if you are replacing TREs on your MGF or MG TF there may be value in replacing as a pair. Whilst the lengths may be incorrect, at least they would be equal. And feel free to talk to us if your car doesn’t ‘feel’ right. We may be able to help.
Length is everything, but too much isn’t always a good thing.