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July 27, 2003
Mike writes: "Maybe the beast is supposed to feel like a go kart going
down the road"
You got it...that's exactly right. But, not
"wondering" down the road, assuming the surface is smooth. It should go
exactly where YOU point it and NOT the other way 'round. It should never
feel as
though the "tail is wagging the dog".
On rougher surfaces
the car will "move" sideways in a controlled manner as it "skips" over
rougher pavement but it should never
"wonder" or feel "loose", despite the fact
road shock may be transmitted to the
steerng wheel.
Any "wondering" or "looseness" felt is
a sign of worn shocks, springs or suspension (including steering) parts
and
there are various tests to check for worn
bearings or kingpins, shocks (you know
about this, now!), etc. as outlined in your
Haynes, Bentley, etc., maint. manual.
When you move the steering wheel more
than just a bit the front wheels should move immediately with very, very
little
lost motion. Or, if you to pull or push the
steering wheel there should be no motion
in the shaft as this would be a sign of
a worn steering shaft pinch bolt, or other worn mechanical parts.
The "ride" is strictly 50's in "comfort"...no
McPherson struts, here....it should "feel"
pretty harsh except over the smoothest
of pavement. You will get used to driving
down the road avoiding "normal" surface irregularities you would never
give a
thought to in a modern vehicle...such
as manhole covers, etc.!! :)
Grease the front end every 3.000 miles and OIL the steering rack
fanatically on
schedule.
You cannot "skip" on this or it will
cost you big bucks in new parts in fairly
short order due to archaic (but good) design. It just has to be
maintained in a
"preventative maintenance" kinda way! :)
At the "small end" of each front suspension A frame is a grease nipple,
but only on one side of the fitting. Gently
drill through and make provision for a
second zerck on the "other" side to allow
better lubrication to the pin/bushing inside.
On some cars it can be difficult to grease
the front universal. Remove the transmission shifter cover to get to it
every now and then...whatever it takes.
Check your tire pressures..anything higher
than recommended to improve "response"
for "better" handling will compromise
mechanical service life of suspension and
steering components on anything but the
smoothest of surfaces. It may "feel" better
attacking surface irregularities at higher
speeds but in terms of mechanical wear
and tear it's not.
The Spridget "ride" is exactly opposite of
what to expect from an X1/9 (I owned one
of these for a short period...a '77...fun
car!) or Toyota (car or truck).
Cap'n. Bob
'60 :{)
PilotRob@... 23790
Posted on July 27, 2003 04:40 AM
Posted to category(s) Body | Drive Train | Electrical System | Engine (external) | Engine (internal) | Exterior | Gauges | Interior | Lubrication System | Miscellaneous | Specifications | Suspension & Steering | Technical Info | Transmission | Wheels
