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MG MGA - crack of doom

I have just read the archives about cracks appearing in the rear wheel arch behind the rear wheel, and the comments say that these occur if a rear splash plate is not fitted.
I have just noticed I have a crack on both sides of the car, about 1 1/2 inches from the bottom, and I do have rear splash plates, so how can I avoid further cracks appearing.
It has just occurred to me that when I go over large bumps in the road there is a clunking noise from the back, and I wonder if the panels have worked loose, and are moving.
Nigel Munford

Nigel,

These cracks occur regardless of splashplates (or in fact they may even be the cause).

Unlikely to be the source of a clunk though.

Check battery, spare wheel, boot pull rods,boot floor (for objects) as well as the obvious rear suspension parts/exhaust. Pay particular attention while you are there to battery cable with respect to the propshaft.

Neil McGurk

There is a small tag on the bottom of the wing that fastens it to the bottom of the splashplate. These can break loose or become disconnected and allow the wing to flap slightly - probably not enough to cause the clunk though.
Malcolm Asquith

Give a look at the spring shackle mounting points...where they attach to the frame. Any slack will cause a clunk.
Gordon Harrison

Stop drill the crack so it will stop growing. Later when you are ready you can do a proper repair. Here is a picture of the tab Malcolm mentions. The tab must be welded to the fender. The crack in the fender must be welded. Then the body and paint work must be redone. Even if you are to repair it immediatly you should stop drill the crack before welding up the damage. Stop drilling relieves the stress and makes a better place to begin the repair.
The picture is of the right rear looking forward.


R J Brown

The clunk could be one or more rear shock mounting bolts (the ones that go through the frame) being loose. I had this happen a few years ago. The panels are unlikely to make a clunking sound.
Peter.
P. Tilbury

This thread was discussed between 02/04/2008 and 03/04/2008

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This thread is from the archive. The Live MG MGA BBS is active now.