[Healeys] BN2 Caster Angle

[Bluehealey]

These are the ones.
https://www.ahspares.co.uk/austin-healey/big-healey/suspension-front/top-trunnion-bearing-kit-pair.aspx
Well worth doing.
The other often overlooked source of heavy steering is the Steering Idler. It is rarely lubricated, has no real reservoir for oil, and a poor seal at the bottom. I suggest releasing the ball joints that connect to the drop arm to check it for stiffness. Complete removal of the idler isn’t a difficult job and is the best way to clean and lubricate.
The caster is pretty good on these cars (the initial design was good). Camber could go from positive to negative to be more compatible with radial tyres. Also check and minimise toe-in. This has a radical impact on steering feel when wrong (in either direction).
If after all that you still have problems, then go for the caster changes you have in mind and tell us about your findings. The Team may learn something.
The only other aspect that seems to vary from car to car is bump steer. Some can be horrible on fast bumpies and others are on rails.  I’ve never seen a decent treatise on dealing with this on our Big Healeys.
Have fun.
Alan - from my iPad

> On 6 Jan 2021, at 13:35, Team.net <lawrence.swift at gmail.com> wrote:
> When I rebuilt the front end on my BT7, I had the trust bearings at the top of the kingpin replaced with bearings - made a huge difference in the ease of steering.
> 
>> On Jan 5, 2021, at 10:36 AM, Bob Spidell <bspidell at comcast.net> wrote:
>> 
>> re: "The other two are factory fixed and too dangerous to play with or maintain...even if Kilmartin makes the parts"
>> 
>> How so?
>> 
>> On 1/4/2021 9:40 PM, gradea1 at charter.net wrote:
>>> I'm with the philosophy "set the toe and let 'er blow" The 1/16-1/8" toe-in is most important for proper tire wear.  The other two are factory fixed and too dangerous to play with or maintain...even if Kilmartin makes the parts. Hank
>> 
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