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MG MGB Technical - Suspension Querry

After many years I finally got my 70 mgb roadster on the road, the ride I must admit is more than disappointing. I am looking for ideas as to why the car seems to have no suspension. I hit a manhole cover and the car seems to jump sideways maybe 6 inches. The front end has been completely rebuilt with new bushings and springs and the armstrong shocks dampen any bounce very well. I have never driven in a MGB before so I am wondering if indeed this is just the way they ride, like a go cart with solid rubber tires. Or am I expecting too much, and have been spoiled with modern technology. If anyone has any ideas as to where I can begin looking for issues it would be appreciated.
JH Clark

First thing to look at would be tire pressure. I would give you a figure, but I probably run mine too high. If you don't want to wait for an answer, you could try a word search in the archives.

Charley
C R Huff

Factory pressures were only 21 front and 24 rear, whereas modern cars are often 30. Some find they give less sharp handling or heavier steering than they would like, but 30 on the MGB is very hard. I run my at +4 which I find a good compromise.

And yes, modern suspension, steering and handling can be very different to the MGB, varying from almost wallowy but comfortable saloons, to brick-hard but very pointy sports models.
Paul Hunt

I run 35 psi in my 79. Then tires wear well. I have 185/70R14 Good Year radials. The steering is still light and precise and the car handles road conditions well.

Perhaps your shocks need refurbishing

cheers

Gary
79 MGB
gary hansen

I think you have been spoiled with modern technology, as you put it. The design of the MGB's suspension was first used straight after WW2 in around 1947. It is not going to ride like a modern car. Although bumps shouldn't throw it off course, you are going to notice the bumps much more than you do in your modern car. Suspension movements are small compared with a modern and so the body gets jerked up when you hit a bump. You will also find that if you get it up to highway speeds it will be noisy and may not have the same directional stability of a modern car. Don't forget it is now 54 years since the MGB was first produced, and as I said the design is even older. If you buy an old car it is going be like - - -well, an old car!
Mike Howlett

Sounds like you are getting some element of bump steer, which could be a result of bad steering geometry, bottoming or lack of compliance. Just have a look at the ends of the steering rack, they should be more or less horizontal with the wheels on the ground. TRE nut at the bottom of the control arm. Check that the coil springs haven't collapsed, there are a lot of poor springs on the market which just sink after a few weeks. Pressures at the front no more than 24psi, rear 28psi. Also on both front and back the suspension nuts should only be torqued with the weight on the axles, otherwise the bushes are "wound up" when the car is on the ground and therefor resisting suspension deflection.
Directional stability should not be a problem with correct tracking AND rear wheels which follow the fronts with parallel axle lines. Sometimes an issue from new and often with repaired vehicles.
Then there are often issues with "cart springs" both in their construction and their heat treatment.
Allan Reeling

"I run 35 psi in my 79."

Gordon Bennett!
Paul Hunt

Paul,
The tyre width and profile have to be taken into account I suppose. I've played with the pressures on both my V8's and other roadsters and Gt's for 12 years or more. Considerations of comfort, steering effort, handling and wear have led me to 24psi front and 26 rear on roadster and 28 on gt. I put a couple more in the rears if the backs are loaded with beer crates!!!!
Allan Reeling

This thread was discussed between 10/04/2016 and 13/04/2016

MG MGB Technical index

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