Alan,
Get the Fred Puhn book on How to Make Your Car Handle, or something like it.
I describes a simple bump checking tool. I did it to my BJ8 in the 70's and
adjusted the steering box up and down within its small limits to get the
best figure. I didn't do that with my next BJ8. I think the stock set up was
pretty good but there could always be accident damage, etc.
Get the book and make the tool or buy one (not so expensive anymore) and see
what you have sometime when the front springs are removed. If your results
are bad, you will probably need more adjustment and would need to bend the
arm like Eddie Miller.
Ken Freese
65 BJ8
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-healeys@autox.team.net
[mailto:owner-healeys@autox.team.net]On Behalf Of Alan Bromfield
Sent: Monday, July 19, 2004 4:40 AM
To: Healey List
Subject: Bump Steer
Oh learned team - I am intrigued.
In the June issue (Vol 36, No.5) of AHC-USA magazine, there is an
interesting article from Chris Kellner describing the build of 'Annie'
the Red Racer.
Within the pictures there is a shot of Eddie Miller bending a steering
arm to "eliminate bump steer". Now, I had got used to the excitement
generated when pushing hard through the twisties, but never really come
to terms with the unpredictable reactions in the bumpy bits. I hadn't
considered bump steer, figuring that the handling was a feature of the
steering box or the 'period' suspension.
Is bump steer a real factor in these cars? Can it be reduced in the way
that Eddie has adopted? Is it a closely guarded secret held only by
those racers that want to keep an edge, or can the arcane wizardry be
shared in public without shame?
Go on - I can take it.
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