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MG TD TF 1500 - Suspension question

53 TD - I have had the rear shocks renovated, the leaf springs seem fine, but when I took the TD on the road for the first time the ride was lumpy almost as if there was a lump on one tire causing a regular bump through each wheel rotation.

It seems to be from the back but I am not sure.

The front shocks seem OK and maybe I should have them renovated as well - but before I do does anyone have any suggestions/obvious areas that I should consider investiagting first ?

Paul

Paul Spelman

Paul,
You said:"...a regular bump through each wheel rotation." That sure sounds like a flat spot (or a high spot) on a tire. Does not sound like anything to do with shocks or springs as such.
Questions:
1) How long did the car sit in one spot before you drove it?
2) Were any of the tires flat when you went to drive?
3) How far did you drive with the "bump"? Was it far enough for the tire to warm up a bit?
4) Was it cold the day you drove & heard/felt the "bump"?
5) How old & stiff are the tires?

I think you know where I'm heading with this; any of the above conditions can readily cause flat-spotting, especially in bias-ply tires. I'd pick tires as the primary suspect.

Carl Fritz

1) I am not sure if the car was on blocks or on the tyres, but it was off the road for around 12 years
2) Yes a few tyres were flat when I bought the car
3) I havn't driven it very far yet - so probably the tyres have not warmed up
4) Tyres are at least 15 years old and in pretty poor shape.

So based upon the above I tend to agree that the tyres would be a good starting point before going elsewhere.
Paul Spelman

Paul- loose your lousy tires immediately before you hurt yourself! Seriously, they are no doubt totally shot. Michelin makes a nice 165x15 XZX radial, also there is a like sized Dunlop available locally. See the archives for discussion about tubes. Wouldn't hurt to have the tire store check for a bent rim.
George Butz

I have the Dunlops...I believe that they are called sp20's. They are 165 x 15 radials, so the diameter is slightly smaller and it messes with your speedometer (assuming that it works) a bit. They really enhance the handling of the car. In 1953 no one dreamed that there would ever be such wonderfull tires! The best news is that they are very inexpensive...around $50 per tire I run them with about 22 psi. Bite ;the bullet..its well worth it!!
Steve Tobias

Well with 5 new Dunlops SP20 fitted the difference is incredible. (I had tubes fitted as well just in case) I really am amazed what a significant driving improvement was gained and obviously from a safety point of view I feel much better - thanks for the advice.
Paul Spelman

This thread was discussed between 13/12/2000 and 08/01/2001

MG TD TF 1500 index

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