[Chris T]

I have tided this thread up by combining this post with the How-to guide post, the suggestions and comments can be viewed and added to in this new thread.

Welcome to this section of the forum dedicated to all things related to the MGF and TF. This thread is no way meant to be comprehensive but it may help to answer some of the more common questions, however if you are still not sure then please don't hesitate to post a question in the forum.

Why does my feel unstable?

Why does my car wander? Some simple checks.

Head gasket

Head Gasket Failure (HGF)

Not sure about the symptom's or think your car has a HGF then take a look at this thread on the subject.

Detailed information relating to causes of HGF and what can be done about them.


What parts do I need to change the head gasket?

Badges

My cars MG badges need replacing, how do I do it?

Coolant

What is the correct level for the coolant and what should I use to top it up with?

Hood

My hood locks up halfway down.

Cleaning the hood using an Autoglym hood cleaning kit.

I have just bought a 115 TF and the central locking (CL) and rear speakers do not seem to be working.

The 115 did not have CL and rear speakers installed at the factory although these can be retro fitted.

What parts from other cars fit the F/TF?

Donor Car Parts and Mods MGF/MGTF

Other common questions.

What lamps (bulbs) does my car use?

Location of sensors and other useful stuff

How to check the battery

Will ZR wheels fit my F/TF?

When I open the boot just after the engine has been switched off I hear a high pitched noise, what is it?

How do I remove the TF's high level brake light?

What colours we the cars made in?

How to fit a start button

Fuse Listing

 

[Chris T]

F/TF How-to Guides

You may find the following how-to guides useful

Please remember that the use of these guides is at your own risk.

A big thanks to CJJ for writing most of the following links, however if you know of any more suitable ‘how-to’ type threads and posts on this site then please PM me.

Servicing

How to adjust your alternator belt

How to replace your alternator belt

TF cam belt (non vvc)

Changing AP Discs and Pads

Rear Disc & Pad Change

TF 30K mile service

Pipes and Hoses

Repair & Replacement

NEW: Replacing the Gear Selector Seal

Changing a Speedo Transducer - MGF MK 2 & MGTF

Rear View Mirror mounting without glue

How to - TF Rear compliance bush (n/s)

How to remove the front subframe

How to remove the rear subframe front mounts

How To - MG TF Rear Upper Ball Joint replacement

'How to' Stepspeed primary gearbox bearing

Replacing complete boot hinges

How to... repair boot wiring harness

How to fit Torque Tamer bushes

How to: Fit rear polybushes (MGF)

How To: Replace the Dipstick Oil Filler

How to fix MGF MY2000 high oil temperature gauge

How to fit stainless steel under floor coolant pipes.

HOWTO - Replacing your aerial mount

How To: Replacing the gearstick and Handbrake Gaitors

How To: Replace radiator with Aluminium one (without removing Bumper)

TF Throttle Cable Change

Fit a Stainless Steel Flexipipe

Clutch Change How To

Replacing suspension bushes (rear) on MGF

How to rebuild wiper motor
How to change a handbrake cable.

How to maintain your AP callipers.

Fitting a modified Clutch Release Arm

How to change the fuel pump

How to - remove the TF's front bumper

How to replace the radiator

Repairing seatbelt pretensioner plugs

Central locking mechanism replacement

Repairing the central locking mechanism

Replacing the electric window motor

Replacing faded MG badges

Removing the 3rd brake light on the TF

Checking Hot/Cold Cabin Temperature Linkage

How To - Replace Rear Callipers

Rear Calliper Rebuild

Rear Brake Refurbishment/Rebuild

How to replace clutch and flywheel

Repair of clutch master cylinder

Rear bumper removal

How to - Remove the engine from a TF

Replace the Hydragas Units and Install Lowering Pins

Hood Replacement

Damaged seat repair and cover removal with seat in car, MG TF..

How to repair the mirror folding mechanism

How to: MGF & MGTF Clocks and Oil Temp Gauges

How to: Reline a MGF/TF Hardtop lining


Modifications – Performance

Fitting a 4-2-1 Manifold

Fitting a MIL Eliminator

Fitting a new exhaust

Installing AP TF160 brake kit to the F/TF?

Porting & Polishing Throttle Body

Removing the instrument panel

Changing the alternator

11 Spoke Wheel Refurb

How to remove TF's centre console





Modifications – Cosmetic

BAS Hood Liner fitting

How to: Fitting Mike Satur Roll Hoops

How To - Change Rear Lights

How to change your dash dials to NAC style

painting brake calipers

How to fit MS wheel adapters

Quad Lights

Modifications – Audio

How to: Steering wheel audio controls

Fitting a DAB aerial

Fitting new door speakers

Fitting an Alpine Sub woofer

A pillar tweeter builds for a MY2000F/TF

Modifications – miscellaneous

Heated Seats How To Guide

How to fit Hyundai Coupe S3 seats into TF

HOW TO fit MGF Headlamp converters

Fitting the MGF Side Scoops

DIY Coolant level warning with pics and wiring

Fitting a MGFMania glass rear window

Sports Buckets Into MGF

Re-trimming the windscreen surround

Dynamating the inspection cover

Heated seat kit - Installation

Installing cruise control into a TF

Installing a ZS wheel with cruise & stereo controls

Installing Rover 800 stalks
Fitting Parking Sensors



Videos

.

 

[Chris T]

Tyre information for the MGF - Please note that these specifications are from Rover/MG-Rover at the time of the cars manufacture.


MGF RECOMMENDED TYRES and PRESSURES – All models

All Mgf (except Trophy)

Wheels and tyres -(no other arrangements are recommended):

185/55 R15 V Goodyear NCT3 fit to 6 x 15 alloy wheels - FRONT only
205/50 R15 V Goodyear NCT3 fit to 6 x 15 alloy wheels - REAR only
215/40 R16 Z Goodyear Eagle F1 fit to 7 x 16 alloy wheels - front & rear

175/65 R14 T fit to 5.5 x 14 steel spare wheel only

Wheel alignment:

Front 0.10’ ±6’ toe out
Rear 0.10’ ±6’ toe-in

Tyre pressures lbf/in bar
185/55 R15 V (front wheels only) - 26 lbf/in ......... 1.8 bar
205/50 R15 V (rear wheels only) - 28 lbf/in ......... 1.9 bar
215/40 R16 Z (front wheels) - 24 lbf/in ........ 1.7 bar
215/40 R16 Z (Rear wheels) - 28 lbf/in ........ 1.9 bar

175/65 R14 T (spare wheel only) - 30 lbf/in ........ 2.1 bar

WARNING: The spare wheel is for temporary use only, and the car must not exceed
50 mph (80 km/h) with the spare wheel fitted.

TROPHY MGF

Wheels and tyres -(no other arrangements are recommended):

195/45 Z R16 Goodyear Eagle F1 fit to 7J x 16 alloy wheel - FRONT only
195/45 V R16 Yokohama A539 type fit to 7J x 16 alloy wheel - FRONT only
215/40 Z R16 Goodyear Eagle F1 fit to 7J x 16 alloy wheel - REAR only
215/40 V R16 Yokohama A539 type fit to 7J x 16 alloy wheel - REAR only

NOTE: Goodyear Eagle F1 tyres are directional tyres and MUST be fitted in accordance with the direction of rotation shown on the sidewall of the tyre.

Mixing Goodyear and Yokohama tyres on the same car is NOT
recommended.


Trophy Tyre Pressures - Goodyear tyres

Normal driving conditions lbf/in bar
195/45 ZR16 (front) - 24 lbf/in ......... 1.7 bar
215/40 ZR16 (rear) - 36 lbf/in ......... 2.5 bar

Trophy Tyre Pressures -Yokohama tyres

Normal driving conditions lbf/in bar

195/45 ZR16 (front) - 26 lbf/in ......... 1.8 bar
215/40 ZR16 (rear) - 36 lbf/in ......... 2.5 bar

Trophy Tyre Pressures over 100mph(160km/h) lbf/in bar

195/45 ZR16 (front) - 30 lbf/in ......... 2.1 bar
215/40 ZR16 (rear) - 36 lbf/in ......... 2.5 bar


MGTF RECOMMENDED TYRES and PRESSURES – All models


MGTF Wheels and tyres -(no other arrangements are recommended):

185/55 R15 V Continental Premium Contact fit to 6 x 15 alloy wheels - FRONT only
205/50 R15 V Continental Premium Contact fit to 6 x 15 alloy wheels - REAR only
195/45 R16 Z Goodyear Eagle F1 fit to 7 x 16 alloy wheels - FRONT only
215/40 R16 Z Goodyear Eagle F1 fit to 7 x 16 alloy wheels -REAR only

175/65 R14 T fit to 5.5 x 14 - steel spare wheel only
195/45 R16 Z Goodyear Eagle F1 fit to 7 x 16 - alloy spare wheel


MGTF Tyre Pressures

Normal driving conditions lbf/in bar

195/45 ZR16 (front) - 26 lbf/in ......... 1.8 bar
215/40 ZR16 (rear) - 36 lbf/in ......... 2.5 bar

185/55 R15 V (front wheels only) - 26 lbf/in ......... 1.8 bar
205/50 R15 V (rear wheels only) - 36 lbf/in ......... 2.5 bar

175/65 R14 T (spare wheel only) - 32 lbf/in ........ 2.2 bar
195/45 R16 Z (spare wheel only) - 32 lbf/in ........ 2.2 bar

MGTF Tyre Pressures over 100mph(160km/h) lbf/in bar

195/45 ZR16 (front) -28 lbf/in ......... 1.95 bar
215/40 ZR16 (rear) - 36 lbf/in ......... 2.5 bar

185/55 R15 V (front wheels only) - 28 lbf/in ......... 1.95 bar
205/50 R15 V (rear wheels only) - 36 lbf/in ......... 2.5 bar

WARNING: The spare wheels are for temporary use only, and the car must not exceed 50 mph (80 km/h) with either type of spare wheel fitted.
NOTE: Goodyear Eagle F1 tyres are directional tyres and MUST be fitted in accordance with the direction of rotation shown on the sidewall of the tyre.(except for above)


Note there have been some reported problems with Marangoni Zeta Lenea and GoodYear GD2/3 tyres. See this thread for details.

Info on this page gathered by Aiketgate.

Note: Toyo compound has changed see

Thanks to Jason in this thread

Good afternoon Jason,

We had to make some changes to the tread compound on the T1R to meet the EU tyre labelling regulations. All tyres produced in Malaysia and Japanese production after September 2014 have the new compound. This change has, in some cases, changed the handling characteristics of the MGF/TF, if you have original spec Japanese production on the front and Malaysian on the rear, by fitting Malaysian all rounds corrects the issue.

I have been in discussion with the MG Owners Club and they are preparing some advice on this.

Best regards
Alan Meaker
Technical and Motorsport Director
Toyo Tyre UK
T +44 (0)1933 414537
F +44 (0)1933 410221
M +44 (0)7879 813915

 

[Stu]

A link to the Goodyear / MGR advisory for use of GSD2 / 3 tyres.

http://forums.mg-rover.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=24872&d=1145552975

 

[pmheathcote]

****************Hints and tips, F/TF How-to Guides & TYRE GUIDE*******

All,

Following all my questions on tyres, please find below email from Roger Parker at MGOC regarding MG's advice following the removal of Goodyear Eagle F1's:

“The GSD2 Good Year tyre is the approved OE fitment to MGTF. This tyre (and NOT the GSD3) is still the only fully approved tyre for this vehicle.


Where the GSD2 is unavailable, MG Motor recommends either the Falken Ziex ZE912 or the Toyo Proxes TI-R as appropriate. MG Motor has conducted limited testing on these alternatives to the Good Year when fitted as a car set.


MG Motor currently has no data on extended tyre wear for these alternatives.

Technical details of tyres tested:-

Front – Falken Ziex 195/45 R16 80V I0123 Extra Load, country of manufacture - Thailand.
Rear - Falken Ziex 215/40 R16 88W I0123 Extra Load, country of manufacture - Thailand.

Front - Toyo Proxes T1-R 195/45 R16 80V PXT1-R-2 ANH3608, country of manufacture - Japan
Rear - Toyo Proxes T1-R 215/40 R16 88W PXT1-R-3 ANH3608, country of manufacture - Japan

MG Motor is committed to support the customer gain the most from their car and would advise strongly that tyres should be fitted as a vehicle set.


Once tyres have been balanced and fitted, the car should be checked on a 4-wheel laser alignment machine against the correct data. This will prolong tyre life and ensure that the car is configured to our recommended settings.

The advice of a reputable tyre specialist and/or MG Motor Approved dealer should be sought in tyre selection and fitting to suit local conditions and vehicle use.


Mixing tyres across the same axle is not recommended. Mixing tyres front to rear (i.e. having different tyres on the front axle to the rear) is also not recommended.


Although the legal minimum tread depth in the UK is 1.6mm across the contact patch, tyre manufacturers will advise that wet grip deteriorates below 3mm.


Tyre pressures will be found in the vehicle handbook. 26psi front and 36 psi rear will suit 135s and LE500. 85th Anniversary cars run 30psi front, 36psi rear.”

 

[Sprinter]

****************Hints and tips, F/TF How-to Guides & TYRE GUIDE*******

Just received a recall notice for my MGTF from MG Motor UK. This does not apply to Fs or TFs built/sold by MG Rover.

Readers Digest type summary:

An issue was identified in the suspension set up of a new MGTF. Review suggested it was a one off component specification issue. Another was subsequently found at a dealership. Checking and repairing the car should take 1 - 3 hours. Courtesty car should be provided. Issued by Keith Harris 16 March 2011.

I've just booked my TF in for 1st April but no courtesy car available until 6th April. It's a safety problem so I'll provide my own courtesy.

 

[Pendle Lass]

Due to the sad news of a couple of cars being in accidents yesterday, it stirred a memory of something I read on the X part flyer called the close call scheme, not sure if it has already been discussed.


Close Call is a programme aimed at keeping MG Rover vehicles on the road by reviewing parts prices on body and mechanical products, so that repair costs become economically viable.

A programme that will build close working relationships between Insurance Companies, Bodyshops and vehicle repairers to ensure all MG Rover vehicles are kept on the road where possible.

A programme that will guarantee a response turnaround time of 24 hours from receipt of the estimate from the repairer.

The aim of ‘Close Call’ is to keep where possible MG Rover vehicles on the road. We have analysed car parc trends and we
are determined to keep as many MG Rover vehicles on the road
as possible


The steps are as follows
1. - Vehicle is taken to nominated repairer who generates an estimate
2. The Insurance Company/Vehicle Owner receives the estimate from the Repairer. If the vehicle is deemed uneconomical to repair, then it’s a ‘Close Call’.
3. The Repairer contacts the Close Call’ team. [0870 609 2357]. The Repairer submits a copy of the estimate and a request form to the ‘Close Call’ team with Pre-Accident Value of the vehicle and parts saving required.
4. The ‘Close Call’ team review and return revised pricing to the Repairer. The ‘Close Call’ team will keep the vehicle on the road where possible. Turnaround time by the 'Close Call’ team will be 24 hours.
5. The Insurer/ Vehicle Owner decides whether the vehicle is now economical to repair. The Repairer contacts the ‘Close Call’ team with their decision.
6. The ‘Close Call’ team processes the parts order, with agreed pricing. Parts are delivered to the nominated Repairer

 

[Chris T]

January 2013 Recall notice for all 2008 and on TF's

See this thread

 

[Chris T]

January 2013 Recall notice for all 2008 and on TF's

See this thread

(Image of letter posted by CJJ)

 

[batoutofhull]

Its handy to have bits of information about your TF to hand when out in the car. Here is a simple quick reference label to print out. Put it on your sun visor or paste it to your door jamb.

There is a word version so you can add more info. if you want and a pdf.

It saves me fishing around for tyre sizes, tyre pressures, etc. and also reminds other drivers ( no names mentioned ) 'Son' & 'Father in Law' of a few details.

Have a look and feel free to change it.

 

[spaceoctagon]

Admin note: The following two posts were an answer to a question posed by CJJ, "Is there a definitive list of which wheels fit over AP 4 pot brakes?" See the original thread

Trophy wheels



11 spokes



Swedish wheels rare



ultralites ultra rare



v spokes



team dynamics pro race



twist of pepper

 

[673NN]

And the Mike Satur 17" trophy style.