One of the major differences between the modern MGF and MGTF is the suspension arrangement – the MGF having being designed with a hydragas liquid and nitrogen filled system.
This should be checked on a regular basis as the system is prone to losing pressure and, more seriously, fluid, which can increase tyre wear and may need adjusting and topping up.
Scott and his team at HAS advise that it is best to check the suspension ride height after the car has been moving for a while rather than if it has been sat for a period of time.
The distance between the centre of each wheel hub and the lower point on the wheel arch should be 350mm, give or take 10mm.
The hydragas system links each side front and rear and to access the system requires detaching the front inner panel under the bonnet – this is secured by two nuts, top and bottom.
Removing this exposes the hydragas tubing and the two inlet nipples (one for each side) with their cover caps.
Using a special hose linked to a container of hydragas the anti-freeze and alcohol mixture can first be drained into the reservoir to remove any trapped air and then pumped back into the suspension at between 350 and 400psi using the hand lever – HAS have the equipment to do this on site.
As the gas is pumped into the system the ride height front and rear can be checked until it is correct – there may be a difference front and rear but the distances should be within the 350mm limit.
Owners are advised to treat their hydragas system with great care as there are few replacement parts, such as the displacers, available these days.
At HAS, a hydragas check-up and top-up takes between 15 and 30 minutes, while you wait, and costs £35 plus VAT.