Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Maintenance & Servicing Cross head out of whack?

I used an on-line protractor tool, seems my castor angle is 6 degrees more than it would be if the kingpin was perpendicular to the axis between the cross heads.



Not sure how useful it is knowing that, I still need to figure out what’s off, top or bottom, or the grand prize, both!

Whats been put inside the top tube??

You should be able to sight down both top and bottom tubes

Arwyn

May be better to start with a new crosshead. Realise your across the pond. But might be easier to talk and buy one from Terry foxen at GEE ltd UK.

Good question Arwyn. Seeing as it’s my first Morgan I didn’t know that end didn’t have scrap metal in it- that’s what it looks like is there. Clearly some kind of repair. Not a good one.

Ill do my best to measure from a common point of reference to both sides and see if I can figure out what’s out of whack.

I agree with Ray given it looks like your lower cross tube is twisted along its axis and the top bent back (which would also explain the bent tie rod). You mentioned some extra welding and who knows what other bodges/damage you may find, so time to bin that one I would have thought.

It looks like Terry is the man to chat to at GEE.

They have new ones at Morgan Spares - about $900.

Am hoping I don’t need to replace it, but we shall see. I stripped down that side last night and put the kingpin back by itself to show just how off it is.



Am certain the lower tube fitting is rotated too much clockwise. I also suspect it’s bent backwards. Finally I suspect the upper mounting plate is also out of whack, perhaps rotated a bit too counterclockwise. I think my right side does have a castor angle of 4 degrees but I’ll confirm that this weekend.

I will try and figure out some absolute reference points on the frame, and take measurements this weekend to see if I can figure out exactly what’s off and by how much. Hopefully can repair with some cold bending. If it’s more than is reasonable, replace it is. Anyone tackle that job? What’s it like - a good thread somewhere on TM?

A good start here: TM cross head repair thread

If as we all surmise the cross head has suffered some form of impact and stress, especially with the attempted repair then trying to correct it further using additional stress would not be a good idea making it significantly weaker. The best way forward in my opinion would be to obtain a new cross head.

I read through the other thread on repair, but haven’t found a thread on replacing. Has anyone done that?

I assume I’d need to remove both wings, yes? Does the cross head bolt to the chassis, or is welded? I know the lugs are brazed on the tube ends, but wasn’t sure about how the whole thing attaches.