[Healeys] Top Trunnion Needle Bearings

[Bob Spidell]

Hmmmmm ... it just occurred to me that I was thinking of the WRONG
bearing.  I now believe this is in reference to not to the upper bush--which
is actually in the stub axle--but to the disk-shaped beaing in the trunnion
(duh).

Anyway, these might offer some benefit (especially considering Dave's
comments).  My question would be how to lube them regularly, or do
they need it beyond a good grease pack at installation?

And why couldn't U-joints just use bushes?


Intriguing.


bs

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Bob Spidell         San Jose, CA        bspidell at comcast.net
'67 Austin-Healey 3000             '56 Austin-Healey 100M
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 -------------- Original message ----------------------
From: Dave Russell <rusd at sitestar.net>
> Hi Bob,
> 
> I agree with you that at first glance the application of reciprocating 
> needle bearings seems questionable.  In reality, they seem to work quite 
> well.
> 
> Perhaps the U joint needle bearings are one of the most common & 
> successful uses of them in a non rotating application.
> 
> In the case under discussion, I believe Cape's "Steering Trunion 
> Bearings" is the same as the AH Spares bearings, I doubt that the cost 
> of  special bearings & their fitting would offer enough improvement to 
> be of benefit. The original bearing design is fairly low friction & 
> offers long trouble free life. The weight of the car is not against this 
> bearing so it is not heavily loaded. I doubt that  steering effort  is 
> reduced much.
> 
> Regards,
> Dave Russell