MG TF 1.6 16V - Electric Power Steering Problem - Advice!?!

MG TF 1.6 16V - Electric Power Steering Problem - Advice!?!

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R300_PM

Original Poster:

600 posts

216 months

Wednesday 19th December 2007
quotequote all
Afternoon all,

I am trying to find out if anyone knows what I will need to do and who I will need to contact to rectify the following fault. The car is a 2003'03' MG TF 1.6 16v which is fitted with the EPAS system (Electric Power Steering)

When moving very slowly (more in reverse), the wheel will automatically turn to the left or the right on its own. When the front of the vehicle was raised (by the chassis, wheels free to turn/rotate) the steering spun to the left. I have been given mixed information on what I will need to do to sort the problem, ranging from a replacement steering column to a new EPAS unit.

Any advice will be greatfully received, fortunatly, the car isn't mine so don't be worried about telling me the bad bits!

Many thanks in advance.

R300_PM

MG Mark

611 posts

225 months

Thursday 20th December 2007
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It does sound like there is a fault with the power assistance, but is it just in those circumstances, or does it happen when driving forward as well? It can give some really odd "kicks", for example when the ignition is turned on with no load on the wheels, such as when the tracking is being adjusted on moveable plates.

The first check that will isolate whether it is the EPAS unit or not is to remove the EPAS fuse (a large in-line one) under the bonnet on top of the passengers side inner wing, about 2/3 of the way back from the the front. This allows the steering to function normally, albeit without power assistance. If the symptoms persist, then it is something else, although for the life of me, I cannot think what else would provide the symptoms you describe. If the EPAS unit is at fault then it is not a DIY adjustable device and is best sorted by a specialist - it may need replacement or just limit switches adjusting

MG Mark

MG Mark

611 posts

225 months

Thursday 20th December 2007
quotequote all
Worth also posting the question here

http://www.mgfregister.org/forum/index.php

MG Mark

selwonk

2,132 posts

232 months

Thursday 20th December 2007
quotequote all
As much as I don't want to detract from the excellent advise on PH, there is a very large and active MG TF community here:

http://www.mg-rover.org/

MGSteve

197 posts

245 months

Thursday 20th December 2007
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There is quite a common problem on older MGF's caused by an EPAS torque sensor fault. The normal result is that the steering feels lighter when turning in one direction at slow speed (most commonly lighter when turning left) and when the front end is lifted of the ground, the wheels self-steer in one direction (again most commonly to the left).

Most garages just replace the steering column to fix the problem, but this is a costly. There is a cheap DIY fix that entails resetting the torque sensor, as Rob Bell describes here:- http://www.mgf.ultimatemg.com/group2/common_proble... . This DIY repair is carried out at your own risk though, as MG consider the steering column to be a 'non serviceable' item.

R300_PM

Original Poster:

600 posts

216 months

Friday 21st December 2007
quotequote all
Cheers chaps,

All sound advice as usual!

Regards

R300_PM