Well so far in the repair, one thing has led to another, and another.
Discovered that the anti-sway bar attaching point on the left A-frame is totally
destroyed. I'm hoping my local welder will fix it for not too much. And, the
anti-swaybar main attaching hardware needs to be replaced. Somebody appears to
have used that part of the frame to push concrete blocks around. Also found
out one of the 3 studs securing the spring top plate is stripped. I'm thinking
that, for the moment I'll trust having just two of the nuts in place. The
front end is pretty easy to disassemble, not counting nuts that don't want to
move and bolts inserted so there's no clearance to remove them.
"Banbury, Terrence" wrote:
> Gary; Re:
>
> Issue 1: This might not be a problem. I seem to recall mine doing the
> same ( not that my Mk III is a perfect example of Spitfire magnificence). A
> "dead" spot is sometimes engineered into the steering when the wheels are
> straight. This is to make the steering require less effort to keep "on
> course" or more effort to go "off course". Can't verify this, but keep it
> in mind if you have checked everything and can't find any problem.
>
> Issue 2: From your description, I encountered the same thing. It was the
> upper ball joint. The movement was slight and it took a while to spot
> exactly where the free play was occurring, but it definitely the upper ball
> joint. I am planning on replacing it in the future. Better sooner than
> later or I can kiss the tread on the new tires goodbye. Let the list know
> how the repair goes; I'll be watching for tips, etc.
>
> Terrence N. Banbury
> 1967 SPITFIRE MK III
> 1988 Honda Accord lX
> 1998 Ford Expedition EB
> 2000 Ford Mustang GT
> 1973 Honda CB350G
>
> > ----------
> > From: Gary Tash[SMTP:tashg@bmi.net]
> > Reply To: Gary Tash
> > Sent: Saturday, April 29, 2000 5:04 PM
> > To: spitfires@autox.team.net
> > Subject: Front end and Steering
> >
> >
> > I am starting to look at the front end (new bushings) and the steering.
> > I notice two 'symptoms'
> > which raise some questions for me. Front end is on stands, engine bay
> > empty, suspension and steering still assembled with the exception that
> > the steering column is disconnected. The wheels and tires are on the
> > car.
> >
> > 1. When I move the rack and pinion through its range of motion by
> > turning the road wheel directly I notice a detent in the middle or
> > straight ahead position. It takes some extra effort to move the wheel
> > in either direction from straight ahead. I had also begun to notice
> > this while driving. Is this a reparable problem? or is total
> > replacement indicated?
> >
> > 2. When I grasp the road wheel at the top and push toward the engine
> > bay there is a small but noticeable movement in and out, it is greater
> > on the passenger side. What should I be looking for as I disassemble
> > the wheels, etc.?
> >
> > -Gary
> >
|