T-Type (TC/TD/TF)

1945-1955 / Roadster / United Kingdom

All T-Type (TC/TD/TF) problems All workshop issues

Common Chassis and Suspension

Kingpin Wear (TC)

Symptoms

Front-end shimmy at speed, wandering steering, clunking over bumps, and uneven front tyre wear.

Cause

The TC uses a beam front axle with kingpins connecting the stub axles to the axle beam. The kingpin bushes wear with mileage and lack of greasing. The TC has multiple grease points that require regular attention, miss them and the wear accelerates dramatically.

Fix

Ream out the kingpin bushes and fit oversize kingpins, or replace the bushes entirely.

Kingpin rebuild kits are readily available.

Cost: $200-$400 per side.

Regular greasing (every 1,000 miles or at each service) prevents premature wear.

Cost mentioned in fix

Cost: $200-$400 per side

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Other known issues

Common Chassis and Suspension

Leaf Spring Fatigue

The car sits lower than normal, particularly at the rear. Ride quality is harsh. The chassis bottoms out over bumps. Handling feels wallowy and imprecise.

Common Chassis and Suspension

Front Suspension Wear (TD/TF)

Clunking from the front end, vague steering, uneven tyre wear. The car may pull to one side under braking.

Minor Engine, XPAG/XPEG (1,250cc/1,466cc Inline-4)

Oil Leaks, Everywhere

Oil weeps from every gasket surface, rocker cover, timing cover, sump, rear main seal, and anywhere two castings meet. The area beneath a parked T-Type will have oil spots. Some engines leak enough to require topping up between services.

Critical Engine, XPAG/XPEG (1,250cc/1,466cc Inline-4)

Low Oil Pressure (Worn Bearings)

Oil pressure drops below 40 psi at cruising speed when warm, or below 15 psi at idle. A knocking sound from the bottom end, particularly under load, confirms the diagnosis.

Common Engine, XPAG/XPEG (1,250cc/1,466cc Inline-4)

Dynamo (Generator) Failure

The charge warning light stays on above idle, the battery goes flat, and electrical accessories dim. In some cases, the dynamo seizes and the drive belt snaps or glazes.

Critical Engine, XPAG/XPEG (1,250cc/1,466cc Inline-4)

Overheating

Coolant temperature climbs above normal, particularly in slow traffic or on hot days. Steam from the overflow. In severe cases, the engine boils over.

View all 15 T-Type (TC/TD/TF) problems