John--
I can't tell you very much about my steering box as I have never been in it.
Mine is a December 1954 car, number 222333.
I CAN tell you that I always keep my eye on the Healey's steering wheel in
the rearview mirror to make sure that the steering is "following". Just so
long
as I start the car rolling before doing any turning it invariably responds
perfectly and goes back to straight as soon as the turn is complete.
All I can say is that it "works for me!"
Best--Michael Oritt, 100 Le Mans
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In a message dated 9/29/2005 3:46:23 AM Eastern Daylight Time,
AH@jharper.demon.co.uk writes:
Mike
I have always been wary of doing this on early cars. It all hinges
around the state of the Steering Box.
One is expecting the side pull exerted by the towing vehicle to spin the
steering wheel. This action taking place in the steering box; not
designed for this 'reverse' action.
I have no concerns with the later Cam Gears boxes fitted with needle
roller peg assemblies. I also don't feel too uncomfortable with the
solid peg Cam Gears boxes as fitted to BN2 and early 6 six cylinder
cars.
My concern is the Burman box fitted to BN1. If the peg is in very good
order then perhaps we are OK but many are slightly chipped or worn and
may not follow the towing car easily. A few very early BN1s were fitted
with an inferior single ball race peg. Personally I would not even try
this.
Perhaps one should jack up the car before setting out on the road and
check how easily one can make the steering wheel turn when turning the
road wheels by hand? One also needs to check for tight spots.
What I fear most is the wheels turning onto full lock the opposite way
to the way one wishes to go. I experienced this once; admittedly on a
rigid single bar tow with a person correcting the steering.
What steering box do you have fitted?
If we had Rack and Pinion steering then we would not have a problem!
Further comment would be of interest.
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