I'm also using this kit and didn't like the thin shims. I haven't had any
problem because I elected not to use them. Instead I used the thickest shim
and dressed the end of the spacer to get the proper clearance. I also
decided to set them up at roughly five thousandths for no particularly good
reason. I like the parts a lot--they solve the problem and make me feel much
more confident in the front wheels staying attached. At least I assume I'm
using the same kit--I suspect Ken got them from the machinist (forgot his
name) that developed them in the FOT.
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-fot@autox.team.net [mailto:owner-fot@autox.team.net] On Behalf
Of Geoffrey Byrne
Sent: Thursday, September 08, 2005 6:24 AM
To: Friends of Triumph
Subject: British Frame & engine Uprated Axles
FoT
I recently purchased from British Frame and Engine a set of uprated front
axles and spacer kit to fit to my TR6 race car to cure very bad pad knock
and pedal drop with standard axles . The kit comes with a pair of new heavy
duty axles, spacer and shims for final adjustment of bearing play to 2
thou. The kit solved the pedal drop problem but after one meeting I noticed
the bearing play had increased well beyond the 2 thou set up. When I
stripped the hubs I found that the thin shims had collapsed under the load
and I was lucky that the resulting metal particles had not got into the
bearing and caused a catastrophic failure.
The problem relates to the design of the spacer . The outboard bearing face
of the spacer is too narrow where it bears on the shims which are between
it and the outer bearing. The inner diameter of the spacer has been machined
too large . The outer end of the axle is .650 where as the inner dia of the
spacer is .750 . This leaves too narrow a bearing surface on the spacer .
The shims are then crushed under the load. Shims thicker than 10 thou seem
OK I'm using Aluminum hubs from Racetorations with standard brakes with EBC
yellow pads.
If you have this axle kit I suggest checking shims and not use any thinner
than 10 thou . Machine the back of the spacer.
I would hope BFE will redesign the spacer to correct this fault as I have
advised them of the problem
Geoff Byrne
Sydney Australia
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