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MG MGF Technical - Shock absorber on the run

Hi,

I have something new to worry about on my 1997 F (MPi).
The left rear shock absorber slid off its lower mounting twice this week. looks like the rubber that should hold it in place is worn out after four years and 80000km.
Rover told me the spare part is 115DM (37GBP), so I decided not to buy it (Mike Satur sells a complete kit of PU-replacements for the same price!).

Since the shocks are wearing parts (?) anyway and may be replaced by uprated dampers in the future I tried to fix the car with bigger washers to both sides of the
rubber. is this a reasonable approach, or should I
expect some sort of trouble from that?

Thanks,
Andreas

PS: whats the life-time for the original shocks, and what are recommended uprated ones (bilstein, koni, avo,spaxx)?
Andreas

Andreas,

Someone else has reported exactly the same problem in the last couple of weeks! Check the archive....

I seem to recall it was pointed out that later cars do indeed have larger washers to prevent the problem you've seen. The previous reporter was also going to fit polybushes...

(I'm waiting for it to happen to my 1997 car now :-) )

Neil.
Neil

>> PS: whats the life-time for the original shocks, and what are recommended uprated ones (bilstein, koni, avo,spaxx)? <<

I don't know the offical quoted life time, but the ones that came off my 'N reg were crap. Basically, the standard shocks are cheap parts & there is no harm in upgrading to better shocks. Tech-Speed put Bilsteins on mine, as that's what they recommend.

And I have to say, although the ride is a little harder, it really does make a difference.

Steve.
Steve Childs

If you want non-adjustable shocks, go for Bilsteins available from Techspeed. Good reason for buying from these guys as the front dampers are re-rated and softer than the rear. Many dampers for the MGF sold by other suppliers are the same all round, and this is far from optimal for handling.

Look at the suggested settings than Gaz has supplied to Steve, and you'll notice that the figures for front stiffness is less for the front than the rear too...

BTW my car's shock absorber bushes are also well past their sell by date- and will get replaced with those aforementioned Bilstein shockers!

Rob
Rob Bell

when fitting new shocks don't forget the cracked chassis mounting of the rear shock absorbers I have.if you are going for non standard you may invalidate any warranty
Roger

This thread was discussed between 17/05/2001 and 18/05/2001

MG MGF Technical index

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