[Healeys] BN2 Caster Angle

[Michael Salter]

Think deeper Fred :-)

M

On Wed, Jan 6, 2021 at 10:38 AM Fred Wescoe <fredwescoe at gmail.com> wrote:

> 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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