MG-Cars.net

Welcome to our resource for MG Car Information.

Recommendations

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 Midget and Sprite Technical - Suspension?

When I drive my 74 midget a bit briskly it tends to "chatter" for want of a better word, from the suspension - sort of rattles. Is this likely to be something to do with the dampers or bushes - there is no play in the steering or track rod ends. It feels a bit skittish and is a little unnerving, especially if there are any bumps included in the equation.

Cornish weather is already starting to create work for me!
J Mee

Can be a number of things

First one check if the rear shockabsorber mounting bolts are nice and tight?
Robert (Bob) Midget Turbo

Check your wheels are balanced.

May sound simple or even stupid, but start with the really easy things.
PeterJMoore

Got to agree with the above...

check that the suspenion hasnt come loose.... esp leaf springs

If you have an uprated anti sway bar at the front,,,make sure the welds havnet pulled apart, where the 2 bushings bolt in at the front
Prop

As the noise is from the front, check the bolts that secure the shock absorber bodies are good and tight.

I would also take a close look for fractures - the two suspect areas at the front are at the outer end of the wishbone pan, near to the fulcrum pin bushes; and the brackets welded to the chassis rails that support the inner wishbone pivot bushes. Both areas are liable to metal fatigue and fractures developing.

Other than that, check your kingpins for wear.

Guy
Guy Oneandahalf Sprites

Back when mine rattled, it was worn out front dampers, with slop at the bushing where the lever arms come through the shock body. Not only was the rattling noisy, it caused a self-steering effect over rough surfaces. So you may need new front dampers. I remember that when I replaced mine, the difference in handling was like night and day. No more skitting around bumpy corners... it felt like it was on rails.

Another likely area is the front suspension rubber bushes. There are the ones that secure the lower arm, and the one at the upper trunnion. Mine were badly worn, and there was metal to metal contact. Apparently the PO wasn't into maintenance... In fact, if you notice your front wheels leaning inwards slightly at the top, chances are good that your bushes have perished. Replacing them is a knuckle-buster, but certainly do-able by the average shade-tree mechanic. Just ask here about letting the springs out, etc.

There's also the lower trunnion that can wear out, but I don't think it would rattle... and it's a major pain to replace, usually involving new lower arms.

Best of luck,

-:G:-
Gryf Ketcherside

Thanks for that, do I need to take the dampers off to check them?
J Mee

This thread was discussed between 07/10/2010 and 09/10/2010

MG Midget and Sprite Technical index

This thread is from the archive. The Live MG Midget and Sprite Technical BBS is active now.