The MGF and MG TF share a double-wishbone front suspension layout, one of the few mechanical elements carried largely unchanged from the 1995 MGF through to the 2011 NAC/SAIC-era MG TF. What differs fundamentally between the two models is the springing medium: the MGF uses Hydragas interconnected fluid-and-gas displacer units, while the MG TF uses conventional coil springs and telescopic dampers. The double-wishbone geometry was retained for the MG TF but with revised camber, tracking, and bush specifications to complement the new springing system and the stiffer bodyshell.
MGF Hydragas Front Suspension
On the MGF, each front suspension corner has a Hydragas displacer unit pressurised with nitrogen gas, connected to the corresponding rear displacer on the same side of the car by a hydrolastic fluid pipe. The interconnection gives the MGF its distinctive pitch control, fluid transferred between front and rear displacers under braking or acceleration resists nose-dive and squat, producing the supple yet controlled ride character that distinguishes the car from more conventional sports cars of its era. Separate telescopic dampers control the damping rate, independent of the Hydragas springing function. Gas pressure loss over time is normal, nitrogen gradually permeates through the displacer diaphragm, and results in a car sitting progressively lower with a bouncier ride.
Re-pressurisation (re-gassing) is standard maintenance for any MGF on original Hydragas; internal seal failure requires a complete displacer replacement, which is complicated by the fact that Hydragas displacers are no longer manufactured (Dunlop destroyed the production tooling in 2001). Specialist re-gassing services are available, as are coil-spring conversion kits for owners whose displacers have failed beyond economical repair.
MG TF Coil-Spring Front Suspension
The MG TF uses conventional coil springs over telescopic gas-filled dampers at the front, a familiar sports car arrangement that is much easier to service and specify than the MGF's Hydragas system. Standard replacement springs and dampers restore the original ride character; uprated options including Spax adjustable dampers, shorter springs for a lowered stance, and complete handling kits are available for owners wanting firmer or sportier settings. The MG TF's front dampers and springs changed at VIN 5D639631, earlier cars (2002 to 2004 production) used a firmer calibration, and later cars (2005 onwards) used a softer-valved damper and matched spring set introduced to address criticism of the early MG TF's firm ride. Fitting early dampers and springs to a later car, or vice versa, significantly alters the ride and handling balance, so VIN identification is essential when ordering.
Anti-Roll Bars, 19mm MGF, 20mm MG TF (Standard)
The front anti-roll bar diameter is one of the specific differences between the MGF and MG TF: the MGF uses a 19mm front anti-roll bar as standard, while the MG TF uses a 20mm bar as part of the 2002 re-engineering programme. The bar is mounted to the front subframe via clamp brackets and rubber mounting bushes, with link assemblies connecting each end to the lower wishbone. The MG TF 85th Anniversary of 2008 introduced Eibach uprated anti-roll bars and ball-jointed anti-roll bar links, parts and a broader chassis upgrade path detailed on the Upgrades & Alternatives child page.
Five Child Pages
Front Springs & Shock Absorbers covers the front Hydragas displacers (MGF), front coil springs and telescopic dampers (MG TF with early and late VIN 5D639631 variants), damper mountings, spring seats, and bump stops. Front Arms & Hubs covers the front lower and upper wishbones, hub carriers (swivel hubs), wheel hubs, hub bearings, ball joints, and associated hardware, the same page that can also be reached via the Hubs section. Front Anti Roll Bars covers the front anti-roll bar (MGF and three MG TF production variants), link assemblies (handed on MGF and early MG TF; unhanded on later MG TF), mounting bushes, and clamp brackets. Hydrolastic Suspension Fluid covers the specialist fluid used in the MGF Hydragas system, required for topping up the displacer system during re-gassing or after pipe disturbance.
This is an MGF-specific consumable with no MG TF application. Upgrades & Alternatives covers front suspension upgrade options: uprated springs and dampers, coil-spring conversion kits for MGF (replacing Hydragas displacers with Suplex or similar canister systems), polyurethane bush kits, lowering kits, and adjustable-damper specifications for track or fast-road use.