[Healeys] Steering Jiggle on and off throttle

[Michael Salter]

I agree with all that Bob has said however I would add that rear wheel
drive cars can exhibit a type of "torque steer" when the spring center bolt
head is not correctly engaged in the hole in the spring mount plate of the
rear axle.
I realize that the subject vehicle is a BJ8 so the following comment is
really directed at BN1 owners and is not applicable in this case however,
the head of the center bolt of the currently available 100 rear springs is
not long enough to protrude through the axle alignment wedge and engage in
the axle locating hole in the spring mounting plate of the rear axle. This
can, particularly if the spring "U" bolts have loosened off, result in the
axle sliding back under heavy braking with disastrous consequences.

M


On Thu., Aug. 15, 2024, 9:41 a.m. Bob Spidell via Healeys, <
healeys at autox.team.net> wrote:

> No one's tackled this yet, so I'll take a stab. This sounds a little bit
> like 'torque steer' that some FWD cars have (though it's been largely
> eliminated in newer FWD cars). Healeys, of course, are RWD so it's not
> that, and I've not experienced nor heard of this problem in a Healey. The
> front suspension isn't linked to the drive train in any way, so I'd check
> engine mounts; it's conceivable, but not likely the rocking of the engine
> could cause it to hit the steering column (the carbs are pretty close to
> it). If the chassis is somehow tweaked it might cause some tracking issues,
> though it would likely be under all conditions. Presumably, you've checked
> to assure the steering box is properly anchored?
>
> That's all I got.
>
> Bob
>
> On 8/14/2024 7:45 PM, JONAS PAYNE wrote:
>
> I have an early BJ8 that has been thoroughly gone through.  Pretty much
> new everything.  Recently I have experienced a jiggle/pull in steering when
> getting on and off throttle, admittedly with a heavy right foot.   Doesn't
> necessarily pull to one side or the other, just jiggles a moment.  It's an
> on/off throttle thing, doesn't do it when braking.
>
> I've checked the rear - everything seems tight, and all bushings have been
> replaced.  motor mounts are good, transmission tension rod/bushings are
> good.  little or no play in the front end, all new there too.    Front end
> alignment appears to be good.  Steering box is properly adjusted and has
> normal "play" for a cam and peg box as with my TR3's and Morgan + 4's.
>
>   It isn't dangerous, but it doesn't feel right.  That said, for all I
> know, it's part of the "vintage healey experience".  I have 5 other vintage
> british sports cars and each has their own issues that are part of their
> charm.
>
> Would appreciate anybody's experiences thoughts.
>
> Jonas
>
>
>
>
>
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