SUSPENSION CHECKS

30 FRONT BALLJOINTS

The upper and lower suspension balljoints at the front are known to wear, so check them for excessive play by wiggling each front road wheel up and down. The upper balljoint is best renewed by removing the hub, whereas the lower balljoint can be renewed in situ or by removing the lower arm, which requires the front subframe to be lowered.

31 TRACK ROD ENDS

Check the condition of the rubber boot on each front track rod end. With the front road wheels raised, wiggle them from side to side and look for visible play in the track rod end balljoints. If the track rod ends have to be renewed, get the tracking checked afterwards.

32 REAR BUSHES

Suspension bush failure is a common problem on these vehicles. On the MGF, the tie-bar bushes that locate in the rear bottom arm usually wear and can be upgraded with polyurethane. Many of the TF’S bushes can wear, and while new or upgraded bushes are available, replacement assemblies can also be bought, such as the rear trailing arm for £120-£140.

33 REAR TRACK CONTROL

Use a pry bar to check the inner bushes for the rear track control arms and wiggle a raised road wheel to check for play in the balljoint. New track control arms cost around £70-£80 each. If the balljoint has failed, but the inner bush is in good condition, you can use the steering track rod end from a Rover 200 on the MGF’S track control arm; it costs around £7.