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Re: Fish tailing

To: James <james.carpenter@ukaea.org.uk>
Subject: Re: Fish tailing
From: Andrew Mace <amace@unix2.nysed.gov>
Date: Thu, 11 Dec 1997 10:47:34 -0500 (EST)
Cc: triumphs <triumphs@Autox.Team.Net>
On Thu, 11 Dec 1997, James wrote:

> I own a '79 spit...
> I am having problems with the back end doing what it likes,
> I know this is not rare, but it does it a bit to much, even 
> fancy new tires on the back... I am 
> beging to think the suspection is making matters worse.  I 
> have noticed a noking/ratteling sound when descelerating 
> from the back.  This goes when acceleating.  The other thing 
> is the back is slightly lopsided(down on the drivers side).  
> 
> Any tips on how to keep the car heading where I wan't it to, 
> I'm thinking bags of sand + the old engin in the boot. 

I don't think extra weight will do you any good whatsoever -- probably 
exaggerate the problem. Some thoughts that come to mind include a very 
weak (likely, given the lopsidedness you describe) or even broken 
transverse spring (also likely, given the drooping and the behaviour of 
the car), or perhaps the "heel board" is severely rotted where the radius 
arms attach. The latter would allow for quite a bit of undesirable 
lateral movement of the rear wheels (and could account for the noise you 
hear on deceleration).

Other possibilities might include some severely worn bushings anywhere in 
the rear suspension area. Whatever the cause is, I strongly suggest you 
spend some time VERY SOON searching out possible causes, and then get 
them fixed ASAP!

Good luck!

--Andy

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* Andrew Mace, President and                *
*   10/Herald/Vitesse (Sports 6) Consultant *
* Vintage Triumph Register                  *
* amace@unix2.nysed.gov                     *
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