Compliance washers - What's that about then?

So, what are compliance washers for?

If you look at this area at the rear of the MGF.

Pointy Man


The big bush gets worn and you can end up with this.



A close up showing the gap.



OK, but so what? Well that gap means that the wheel can move back and forwards in relation to the subframe. This means that you get a worrying effect of rear wheel torque steer.
In English, the car will pull to one side on acceleration and pull the other way when you lift off.
So if your car is exhibiting this, check the gaps where the Pointy man is indicating!:lol:

You can replace the bush with OEM or with a poly bush. You can also use compliance washers to take up the gap to remove the rear steering!

AdamElphick has produced a very good 'How to' where he completely dis-assembled the bush.
Here is how you can do it without taking the car to bits.

You'll need washers made to the same dimensions as Adam's. I used a handy piece of material that is only 1.5mm thick, so I needed two washers each side of the bush. To enable the front ones to fit, simply cut a section out of the washers. Here's Dave (Tatts) producing the washers for his own car.



And here's a full set for one side.



Now it is just a case of removing the 18mm nut and shaped washer from the end of the shaft. Obviously safety rules apply, and axle stands are in evidence.



You can now insert the cut washers at the front. Ensure that the cuts are offset from each other if using two washers.


And the whole washers at the rear, refit the washer and nut.



Now tighten the nut, and lower the car to the ground. With the suspension under the weight of the car, now loosen the nut off again and torque the nut to 100Nm.

Nice how to mate!! :broon: :broon:

What's the diameter of the plastic washer???

65mm outer, 26mm inner diameter. :broon:

Nice work there Mr Pointy Man!

I have to say it's a worthwhile addition as the rear end just seems to be less wallowy when you add the washers.

I put poly bushes in mine :woohoo:

Cor. Blue Peter meets Austin 1100. Quaint. :whistle:

Or buy a TF with proper suspension....
:coat:

If the weather stays dry (some hope) I will be fitting my compliance washers today, I'm going to cut the front one of the pair as suggested in this thread, but was wondering how the he'll you get the tie rod out if you want to do it that way !

I can't see a way of getting to the front smaller end of the tie rod, do you have to drop the rear end of the rear subframe to get it undone ?

Undoing the M10 bolt at the front is near impossible with the subframe in place

As above I'd opt for cutting a slot in the washer.. Much much quicker and less hassle

Just revisited this how to, so I thought an update was useful.
The rear end of the car is still stable so this cheap fix is very effective and long lasting.


I just noticed the agricultural fibreglass in this photo!:oops:


That is, cow muck and straw...:bust:

What’s the best material to make the washers with?


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NigelBB

From your profile picture, you have a TF (forgive me if it is for a different car ) but the compliance washers are only relevent to MG F!

TF has completely different rear suspension!