Jerry
Thanks for the input. I could get into worm and wormwheel discussions
and what some people describe as reversible and un-reversible worm
angles. However lets just agree that our steering boxes are of the
reversible type. I fully agree that it is the caster action that creates
the turning action on the steering box drop arm.
However the efficiency of this reversible worm action is very low. This
is good and allows, as you say one to 'feel the road' through the
steering wheel. But it is also good because it does not allow the
steering wheel to jump out of your hand when say a large pothole is
encountered. This is something that is not always sorted out fully on
some rack and pinion steering systems.
For a car to follow on a rigid towbar without scuffing the tyres the
steering box and column has to be very free so that it can allow a very
small amount of caster action to turn the steering wheel.
Sorry if I am sounding if I am lecturing but I believe that I stand by
what I first said. Yours and Michael Oritt's input appear to confirm
this. Your 100 is likely to have a Cam Gears steering box and is clearly
not a problem. Mike should have a later Burman type and does seem to
exhibit minor problems at start off but then sorts itself out and is
fine.
However I would still suggest caution with early 100s and would not use
a rigid towbar until one has checked for wear or tight spots.
Thanks for the input
All the best
>John,
>
>Wow. I had to sit and reflect a while before I decided to answer. "Reverse
>action". I purchased a collapsible tow bar in the early '70s to move my
>BN2 from Texas to Ohio, 1100 miles, worked great. Year later moved
>back to Texas. Two years later moved 400 miles to South Texas. Five
>years later moved 775 miles to Kansas. Etc.,Etc. In all my moves I have
>towed at least one if not more Healeys or other cars with the tow bar. So I
>have used my tow bar a lot.
>Now "reverse action". The front suspension of any car is set up with
>caster, camber and tow in. This makes the car track straight while rolling
>freely. The steering always reacts with "reverse action" when the car is
>rolling, in most circles it is called "feed back". This "reverse action" is
>what causes the driver to feel the road, bumps, pot holes, road crown,
>curves, turns, and what ever else there is one may encounter while driving.
> In all cases I was involved in the towed car tracked perfectly behind the
>tow vehicle. At no time did I have a problem with the steering wheel or
>tires wanting to lock to one side. I don't think that a cars steering box
>condition will make a difference when towing with a tow bar. Bottom line I
>have great success with towing my Healey.
>Just my $0.02 worth.
>
>Regards,
>Jerry
>BN2
>
--
John Harper
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