The steering column in the MGF and MG TF range exists in three main specifications reflecting the progression from non-adjustable to tilt-adjustable column across production. A manual steering column was fitted to some early 1.8 (non-VVC) MGFs, the minority of MGFs with no power assistance. A non-tilt-adjustable power steering column was fitted to MGFs from launch through VIN XD511058 (the late-1999 MY2000 changeover point); within this era, an even earlier column specification fitted to VIN WD40302 has been superseded by the later item with an appropriate lower shaft adaptation. A tilt-adjustable power steering column was introduced on the MGF from VIN XD511059 onwards (the MY2000 facelift) and carried over to all MG TF production, this is the specification that most owners will encounter on cars today.
When ordering a steering column, confirm the VIN against these breakpoints, the earlier non-tilt-adjustable column cannot be directly substituted with the later tilt-adjustable item without additional mechanical work, and the adjustability-related parts (bushes, spacers, lock mechanisms) differ between the two.
Lower Shaft, RHD and LHD Variants
The lower steering shaft, the short shaft that transmits rotation from the column to the steering rack pinion through a universal joint, is handed by drive side (RHD or LHD) and changed at the same WD40302/WD40303 production breakpoint as the column. Four variants are catalogued: early RHD, early LHD, later RHD, and later LHD.
The later specification fits MGFs from WD40303 onwards and all MG TFs. A pinch bolt retains the lower shaft to both the column and the rack pinion.
Column Covers (Cowls)
The column cowls (upper and lower covers that surround the column and contain the steering switches and ignition lock) are handed by drive side and changed at VIN AD007104, an earlier specification fits MGFs to AD007103, a later specification fits MGFs from AD007104 onwards and all MG TFs. The cover seals and associated mounting studs and nuts are also catalogued individually for renewal when the cowls are disturbed.
Steering Rack, Six Catalogued Variants
Six steering rack variants are catalogued covering the full MGF and MG TF range: an MGF manual rack for the minority of early 1.8 non-VVC MGFs without EPAS, MGF power steering rack in RHD and LHD, and MG TF power steering rack in RHD and LHD. Each power rack is available as a new unit or as a reconditioned exchange, the reconditioned exchange option is a significant saving for owners not requiring a brand-new unit, and the returned core is remanufactured by specialists to original specification. The MGF power steering rack provides 3.1 turns lock-to-lock. The MG TF power steering rack provides 2.8 turns lock-to-lock, approximately 10% faster, and is not interchangeable with the MGF rack due to different gearing, different mounting arrangements, and different EPAS sensor wiring.
Rack Gaiters, Track Rod Ends, and Rack Mounting
The rack gaiter kit is a single specification covering both MGF and MG TF, one kit fits all applications. Split or perished gaiters allow dirt and moisture into the rack internals, progressively damaging the rack seals and eventually requiring rack replacement; gaiters should be visually inspected at every service and renewed immediately at any sign of damage. The track rod end is a single specification common to MGF and MG TF, a useful ordering simplification. The track rod end is the most frequently-replaced steering component, and a worn item produces vagueness at straight-ahead and excessive free play at the steering wheel rim.
Replacement should always be followed by a four-wheel alignment. The track rod end uses a nyloc retaining nut and a locking nut at the adjustment thread. The rack mounting uses a rubber insulation pad, a clamp, and two U-bolts (one for each side of the rack body). All mounting components are catalogued individually for renewal during rack replacement or alignment work.
EPAS Control Unit
The EPAS (Electric Power Assisted Steering) control unit is a separate module that manages the electric motor's assistance level based on road speed, steering angle, and load. Two control unit specifications are catalogued: an earlier unit fitted to MGFs with EPAS up to VIN XD511058, and a later unit fitted to MGFs from VIN XD511059 onwards and throughout MG TF production. This VIN breakpoint is the same as the tilt-adjustable column introduction, the two items changed together as part of the MY2000 facelift. The 40-amp EPAS fuse is a single specification and is catalogued separately as a common service item.