Squeeking from the MGF

[Ana]

The MGF has developed a squeeking which seems to be Speed related rather than RPM related.

I'm a little stuck on what to check next to identify the problem. so far I have done the following tests while driving:

Driving at 30mph....
Squeeking is apparent (squeek, squeek, squeek).
If I take the foot off the accelerator, the squeeking stops.
If I apply the brake or accelerator, the squeeking starts again.
If I dip the clutch and apply the accelerator it does not squeek.
driving at 30mph in 2nd has the same squeek frequency as driving at 30mph in 5th (i.e. not rpm related).

I initally though of wheel bearings, but then you would surely get the squeek at all times when the wheel is moving. I'm not thinking ceased or sticky piston on one of the calipers, but then why would the squuzing be controlled by the accelerator and not just the brake.

Can anyone suggest what to try/check next?

Thanks
Stuart (Ana's husband).

[Ana]

I've ordered new discs and pads all round. As they look a bit worn.

Any suggestions as to what the squeak noise may be?

[Reckless Rat]

It might help if you can tell us where the squeak is coming from... is it coming from the front, the rear or the engine compartment?

Is it speed dependant, constant or suspension related?

If it is something to do with the brakes, I doubt if changing the discs & pads will cure the problem as it's probably a caliper fault, although new discs & pads are a good idea if the old ones are worn.

[Ana]

It's hard to tell where it's coming from but driving it sounds like the rear drivers side.

I've already mentioned that yes, it is speed dependant and not RPM dependant. Also it's not suspesion related at bumps in the road or pushing the corners while stationary does not produce the sound.

I've read somewhere that the pads have wear indicators that could give a squeel sound. Hence the reason I just ordered new discs and pads all round. I'll test the pistons in the calipers to make sure they are not ceased. If there is a problem then I'll get holds of a rebuild kit and pop the piston, replace the rubbers etc.

[nigelandjo]

Wheel bearing starting to give up the ghost?

[Charless]

As above , it does sound like the very disingenuous NSR wheel bearing which whispers at 30 mph (but not much each side) for a few months, has no discernible play in the bearing when jacked, then is suddenly completely stuffed, so you need a new flange as well. Oh bu**er! The NSR is typically the first wheel bearing to give up.

[Ana]

Thanks Guys,
I'll get one ordered. Am I right in thinking that the bearing kits are universal in terms of front and rear. i.e. one bearing kit will fit any of the corners. Or are there differences between front and rear?

[nigelandjo]

Thanks Guys,
I'll get one ordered. Am I right in thinking that the bearing kits are universal in terms of front and rear. i.e. one bearing kit will fit any of the corners. Or are there differences between front and rear?

Sorry can't help you there ~ I passed on the receipt to the new owner of the TF which had the rear wheel bearing replaced when we sold it, otherwise I would have looked up the part number for you.

Nigel

[Ana]

I jacked the car up and set it on axle stands with chocked front wheels.

With handbrake off I started the car and put it in first gear. Passenger wheel spins nicely, drivers side stopped after a few turns.

Took the wheels off and removed the calipers and discs. Both seem to spin ok now, but I'm wondering if it's because there is less weight to turn.

I'm going to have to get a new bearing installed but don't think I can do this myself as I don't have press. Any guidelines to removing the whole hub so I can take it to a garage and get it taken out and the new one in (new one arrived today).

[Andrew Regens]

My squeak from the rear drivers side was the welds parting from the suspension tower see Rob Bells site http://www.mgf.ultimatemg.com/ Chamber of horrors. That is the very worst it could be!

[Ana]

Thanks mate. I've checked that entire site but no mention of hub removal.

I've checked the entire rear suspension, the dampener bushes could do with a replacement but apart from that I think it's the wheel bearing. Think I'll have to take it to a garage as a whole car.

[adrianclifford]

Ana, I think I asked when you first joined us, where are you in Essex as we may be able to help with garage and servicing recommendations ?

[Ana]

Ana, I think I asked when you first joined us, where are you in Essex as we may be able to help with garage and servicing recommendations ?

we are in Chadwell Heath, Romford.

[adrianclifford]

Know the area well. Used to live in Hornchurch.

Why I ask is, if you are having trouble with a garage, we have a good one here near to Southend where you will get good honest advice and servicing at a good rate for Club members. Steve Tyler at British Legends 01702 511123.

If you want to meet up with us one evening, our next Essex Roadsters meet is at the Dick Turpin, on the A127 next Thursday Feb 4th from 19.30.

[SPG]

From your description it sounds like rear drivers side bearing. This is sometimes but not always caused by metal fatigue in the carrier which will also necessitate the flange being replaced. In 2004 MGR acknowledged they had a problem with the use of inferior steel in some batches sourced from Russia for use in rear end components, but I cant find the old link to the article to send you. As the wear gets worse your car will start to wander from side to side as well.

Recommend you also get the front bushes checked as well.

[Ana]

Update !

I removed the hub and something dropped out as I was taking it off.

After looking I found my problem.
I think this broken bit has caused the wheel to wobble a little and batter the wheel bearing. I had a new bearing ready but now I need one of these. Anyone know where I can get one sharpish ?. Also what's this bit called ?

[Ana]

No worries got one now, fitted discs on and test driven. All good no more squeeking.

[nigelandjo]

Glad you got the squeaking sorted. You can enjoy the car now