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MOTRS

MGA

1955-1962 / Roadster / Coupe / United Kingdom

All MGA problems All workshop issues
Common Suspension and Steering

Kingpin Wear

Symptoms

Vague steering, front-end wander, uneven tyre wear.

Cause

The MGA's front suspension uses kingpins (on early cars) or ball joints that wear with mileage and lack of greasing.

Fix

Replace kingpin bushes or ball joints as applicable. Kingpin kits: $150-$300 per side.

Cost mentioned in fix
$150-$300 per side

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// More MGA problems

Other known issues

Common Suspension and Steering

Wheel Bearing Wear

A rumbling or grinding noise from a wheel, increasing with speed. Play detectable when rocking the wheel at 12 and 6 o'clock with the car jacked up.
Common Suspension and Steering

Leaf Spring Sag

The rear of the car sits lower than normal. The ride becomes harsh. The car bottoms out over bumps.
Minor Rust

Sill (Rocker Panel) Corrosion

The sills become soft, bubbly, or perforated. The body may flex excessively when jacked up or driven over bumps. Doors may not shut properly as the body distorts.
Common Rust

Floor Pan Corrosion

Soft or perforated metal in the floor pans, visible from underneath. Water may pool in the footwells. The floor may flex under foot pressure.
Minor Rust

Front Crossmember Corrosion

Visible rust, scaling, or perforation of the front crossmember (visible from underneath the front of the car).
Minor Rust

Rear Spring Hanger Corrosion

The rear spring mounting points show rust, cracking, or distortion. The rear of the car may sit unevenly or make clunking noises.
View all 16 MGA problems