To: Triumphs List, Inet
2 more cents FWIW . . . . . .
I have read in various automotive magazines that many new cars
have "variable flex" bushings in certain suspension mounting
points, such as rear trailing arms or lateral links. The articles
I have read explain that the suspension engineers may want the
vehicle to have certain characteristics, such as rear wheel
steering effect, under certain load conditions. Example:
Trailing arm bushings that are firmer on one edge of the rubber
bushing than the other. When cornering the engineers want the
outside rear wheel to steer in the same direction just a wee tiny
bit to enhance stability through long sweeping curves, so the
trailing arm bush is slightly softer or has more "give" or
deflection on the inside(?) edge versus the outside(?) edge to
allow the outside wheel to deflect a couple of degrees in the same
direction that the vehicle is pointed. Pretty interesting stuff,
actually, as it is a whole lot cheaper and simpler than an active
rear wheel steering system. Reminds me of Alex Isigonis' early
rubber suspension design on Morris Minis which used big rubber
"doo-hickies" in place of steel springs in the suspension. Gotta
love that old axiom "K"eep "I"t "S"imple "S"tupid.
Ross D. Vincenti
64 Spitfire 4 (undergoing surgery)
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