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MG MGA - Go to the left, got to the right.....

OK, got a strange one here. Recently I've noticed that my 1600 wants to go right on acceleration and pulls left when I let up on the throttle.The front suspension is fully restored including the shocks. Springs are good. Tire pressures are all the same and no dragging brakes.
I've checked everything I can think of. I'm beginning to wonder aout the rear axle since the behavior occurs when the power to the rear axle goes on and off.
Any suggestions would be grateully received.
John
John

Have a look at your rear suspension, when the rubbers are worn or gone on one side of the axle it may move slightly.

Koen
Koen Struijk

I had exactly the same problem with my MGA. Tighten the U-bolts and that will do the trick.
Steve Morris

John. This is a problem which has been mentioned a number of times over the years with both the A and the B. In all the cases where the person having the original problem reported back, they reported exactly what Koen and Steve have said--rear axle was loose on its attachment to the rear springs. In theory, a broken spring pack can cause this problem, but no one has reported broken springs yet. Badly worn, or missing, spring bushings at the ends of the leaf springs can also cause this problem. Thus, a through check out of the rear springs are in order. Les
Les Bengtson

Les,
Let me be the first to report a broken spring. I had the same symptoms on my B. Tightening the U-bolt nuts seemed to help slightly but the problem was still there. Closer inspection found that the left side main leaf was broken just behind the front U-bolt. Tightening the nuts clamped it in place for a short while but it soon became loose enough again for the gap to open and close on acceleration and deceleration. I replaced the springs and the problem disappeared. Now the car sits too high in the back, but thats a problem for the B board.
Bill
Bill Boorse

I have to ditto Steve from Ohio. Loose u-bolts. Took a while to figure out then we put it on the lift.
Tom Baker

Hi folks. Worn rubber leaf spring pads can cause the steering problems that have been noted. You can replace the worn rubber pads with new rubber pads, or upgrade to polyeurethane pads instead. These hard plastic pads do not compress like rubber ones, so the U bolts don't constantly need to be re tightened. The polyeurethane pads are pricey, but are probably a permanent solution to the swoopy feeling steering. Polyeurethane A arm bushings, and rear leaf spring (non silentbloc) bushings are available also. Cheers Glenn
Glenn

I exerienced similar symptoms in a couple other cars with a broken motor mount. Steve
Steve Meline

This thread was discussed between 08/11/2004 and 09/11/2004

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