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Wales
by Joske Vermeule, September 1
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Jun 14th, 2026
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Joined: Feb 2016
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Needs to Get Out More!
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When fitting steering bearings above stub axle (if not already factory fitted), consider fitting ones below stub axle as well. Although there was some speculation about the need for them between stub axle and rebound spring, my findings are they make an immediate and obvious difference in reducing steering stiffness. Cain is the man to contact for such at Wolf Performance
Richard
2018 Roadster 3.7
1966 Land Rover S2a 88
2024 Royal Enfield Guerrilla 450
1945 Guzzi Airone
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Joined: May 2014
Posts: 2,780 Likes: 5
Talk Morgan Expert
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Talk Morgan Expert
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 2,780 Likes: 5 |
Avoid the fad of small steering wheels. A decent sized one will make a significant difference to the feel and heaviness of steering, as do sensible width tyres.
Many modern have ultra light clutches compared to a Morgan, you'll get used to it, my TR6 and current Austin Healey are even heavier but I don't notice it Now I have some miles under my belt.
Welcome by the way!
Steve
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Joined: Sep 2010
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Talk Morgan Expert
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Talk Morgan Expert
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 2,431 Likes: 17 |
My old 3.9 plus 8 is a pig at parking speeds, big tyres and a 13’’ steering wheel.
Once on the move fine, don’t even think about it, no bearings or posh later mods
Once you’ve tested the 4/4 have a go in a Roadster and see what you think......
1969 4/4
1995 plus 8
1996 Plus 4 4seater
2002 Aero S1
2013 M3W
2014 Plus 8
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Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 990
Talk Morgan Regular
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Talk Morgan Regular
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Richard Woods findings regarding steering with the rebound bearings ( via Cain @ Wolf performance) are exactly as I found when they were fitted to my 4/4. Steering is smooth , and at parking speeds, much lighter.
Tyre pressures are important and Morgans seem to need pumping up a bit from time to time.
As the wise man said - drive a few before you decide. Happy hunting!
2015 Morgan 4/4 (Wolf fettled) previously 2014 M3W
MINI Cooper S and numerous BMC/BL relics.
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Joined: Apr 2017
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Talk Morgan Enthusiast
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Talk Morgan Enthusiast
Joined: Apr 2017
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One thing I still don't understand is how the Wolf rebound spring bearings help if the front end is set up (correctly in my view) so that the spring is only kissing the stub axle.
If there is no preload there can't be any friction so how does the bearing help.
Actually I might have just answered that myself now I think about it.
With castor angle, as you turn the wheel one wheel goes up slightly and the other goes down thus creating a small amount of preload on the rebound outer spring.
The more you turn the wheel e.g. parking, the more the castor angle effect would add to the rebound preload and hence the friction and steering would load up.
You wouldn't notice this effect with the very small steering angles in normal fast driving but you certainly would during parking manoeuvres etc. This effect is very visible on the front of a racing kart.
I might have to give this rebound bearing idea some more thought.
Bob
2009 Black Roadster
1999 4/4 2 litre Zetec
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Joined: Oct 2007
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Learner Plates Off!
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Learner Plates Off!
Joined: Oct 2007
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After a short while of ownership you will get used to the steering. It is best not to try and turn the steering wheel until the car is moving, you only need a very slow movement of the road wheels to reduce the steering effort.
However, if it does become a serious issue, then you can get a Morgan with power steering. This will limit your choice of cars if buying 'pre-owned', but you could also get it retrofitted, to an existing car, or specified if buying new. Yesterday I noticed a car in build at the factory that had power steering.
Whatever you decide, as long as it is a Morgan you will enjoy that view down the bonnet
---------------------------
Mike Smith
2007 +4
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Learner Plates Off!
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Learner Plates Off!
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I remember the steering of my 504 Peugeot without power steering, my PLUS 4 is very easier and lighter. The 504 was used every day by my wife who found it very fine. I used only motorcycle at this period and drived it only the week-end or during holidays. But we don't remember and were younger.
As said above if the car is moving slowly you need less effort and it is better for the tyres and the steering.
In short corners at relatively hight speed or larger corners on highway you have to maintain with some force the steering wheel, but it is a part of the pleasure with a living car.
Regards
2005 PLUS 4
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Tricky Dicky Member of the Inner Circle
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Tricky Dicky Member of the Inner Circle
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 37,433 Likes: 978 |
Definitely try another +4 as well as the 4/4 you maybe tried a poorly maintained one - my Plus 8 steering and clutch is pretty light to me other than parking when the steering load is higher.
Good luck.
2009 4/4 Sport Henrietta
1999 Indigo Blue +8
2009 4/4 Sport Green prev
1993 Con Green +8 prev
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Joined: May 2010
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Needs to Get Out More!
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Needs to Get Out More!
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 9,545 Likes: 132 |
Try a variety of cars with different spec. That way you get to know your “needs” and desirable functions.
You can assess the need for power steering, engine size, suspension type cosmetics etc..
As with +8Rich my Plus8 is fine but heavier when parking. Clutch is hydraulic and not an issue. When moving from the 4/4 it was a clear change in engine/driving characteristics, but you soon learn and adjust. The 4/4 was great fun needing more reading the road to keep up with Roadsters, gear changes/rev management etc.
Plus Four MY23 Furka Rouge
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Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 8,683 Likes: 413
Needs to Get Out More!
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Needs to Get Out More!
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 8,683 Likes: 413 |
One thing I still don't understand is how the Wolf rebound spring bearings help if the front end is set up (correctly in my view) so that the spring is only kissing the stub axle.
If there is no preload there can't be any friction so how does the bearing help.
Actually I might have just answered that myself now I think about it.
With castor angle, as you turn the wheel one wheel goes up slightly and the other goes down thus creating a small amount of preload on the rebound outer spring.
The more you turn the wheel e.g. parking, the more the castor angle effect would add to the rebound preload and hence the friction and steering would load up.
You wouldn't notice this effect with the very small steering angles in normal fast driving but you certainly would during parking manoeuvres etc. This effect is very visible on the front of a racing kart.
I might have to give this rebound bearing idea some more thought. My view as well before the lower steering bearings were fitted. Consider though that almost irrespective of how rebound spring preload is set, the steering and load dynamics of a moving vehicle will change this to some greater or lesser degree. This was borne out by witness marks clearly visible on the tops of rebound springs on a car with little more than 1000 miles on the clock.
Richard
2018 Roadster 3.7
1966 Land Rover S2a 88
2024 Royal Enfield Guerrilla 450
1945 Guzzi Airone
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