[Healeys] BN2 Caster Angle

[Fred Wescoe]

Listers,

I have looked at these top trunnion bearing kits over the years and
considered installing them.  However, I simply cannot get my head wrapped
around why replacing bearings at the top of the kingpin would reduce the
weight of the car and improve steering.  It seems to me that all the weight
of the car is pressed against the bottom of the kingpin.  To me, it seems
replacing the top bearing would have no effect on the steering effort.  Can
someone explain in simple language why this kit would work?

Thanks, mystified,

Fred

66 BJ8

On Wed, Jan 6, 2021 at 9:49 AM Bluehealey <bluehealey at gmail.com> wrote:

> 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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