MGB GT V8

1973-1976 / Coupe / United Kingdom

All MGB GT V8 problems All workshop issues

Common Suspension and Steering

Leaf Spring Fatigue

Symptoms

Rear of the car sits low. Sagging stance. Poor ride quality and reduced handling.

Cause

The leaf springs lose their temper (metallurgical, not emotional) over decades. Overloading and fatigue cycling flatten the springs.

Fix

Replace with new leaf springs.

Parabolic spring conversions are available and offer significantly improved ride quality.

Cost: $300--600 per set for standard, $500--800 for parabolic.

Cost mentioned in fix

Cost: $300$500

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// More MGB GT V8 problems

Other known issues

Common Suspension and Steering

Front Kingpin Wear (Chrome Bumper Cars)

Clunking from the front end, wandering on straight roads, uneven tyre wear.

Minor Body and Structure

Sill Corrosion (Inner and Outer)

The outer sill skin bubbles, softens, and eventually perforates. In advanced cases, the outer sill crumbles when prodded. The inner sill -- the structural member -- rots from inside the box section and loses its load-bearing capacity.

Critical Body and Structure

Floor Pan Corrosion

Soft or perforated floor pans, particularly in the footwells and under the seats. Wet carpet is a telltale sign. In severe cases, you can see the road through the floor.

Minor Body and Structure

A-Post Corrosion

Rust at the base of the windscreen pillars where they meet the scuttle panel. This area can be invisible until advanced.

Minor Body and Structure

Door Skin Corrosion

Rust along the bottom edge of each door, working upward from the inside.

Minor Body and Structure

Rear Spring Hanger Corrosion

The mounting points for the leaf spring rear suspension corrode, crack, or tear away from the body.

View all 18 MGB GT V8 problems