If yours are original they will be stainless, note SS is relatively soft and grit trapped in the Devol will wear the Kingpin rather than the bush, Devol swells microscopically when wet and can nip the kingpin causing a notchy stiff steering feel
If yours are original they will be stainless, note SS is relatively soft and grit trapped in the Devol will wear the Kingpin rather than the bush, Devol swells microscopically when wet and can nip the kingpin causing a notchy stiff steering feel
I note that there was some king pin play a few years ago in the advisories on the MOT docs, but then in the subsequent years this advisory disappeared so I assume they were replaced. On checking the pins when working on the car the last few days, they looked in great shape. I've got bottom gaiters in the rebound spring, and have give, everything a good clean, so hopefully I won't have any issues, but if I do, it would, be good to be able to just by some new pins and slip them straight in.
Today was the first time of testing my new steering bearings and brake reaction stays (both sifab). The front end definitely felt more sured up in heavy braking. Little underwhelmed by the effect of the bearings. I was only slightly concerned that the steering might have felt too light when travelling at speed. But can't actually feel any difference in the steering both at speed and when slowly manoeuvring. This is no reflection on the quality of the bearings as they are quality, I'm just wondering if somehow the lower washer that connects to the axel isn't sandwiched tightly in the housing as I'm sure I recall there's some kind of circular groove where the washer sits in the axel that the washer way sit in, meaning the bearing housing is resting on the axel like the bronze damper plate used to, therefore not engaging the bearing. Either way, it's not worse, and I don't the damper blades anymore to that's one thing less to grease and adjust periodically.
There are score marks on the underside of the bronze plate and if its not clear, there is a bend in the plate which would effectively mean the plate wouldn't have been sitting flush on the axel, if these are any indications.
Today was the first time of testing my new steering bearings and brake reaction stays (both sifab). The front end definitely felt more sured up in heavy braking. Little underwhelmed by the effect of the bearings. I was only slightly concerned that the steering might have felt too light when travelling at speed. But can't actually feel any difference in the steering both at speed and when slowly manoeuvring. This is no reflection on the quality of the bearings as they are quality, I'm just wondering if somehow the lower washer that connects to the axel isn't sandwiched tightly in the housing as I'm sure I recall there's some kind of circular groove where the washer sits in the axel that the washer way sit in, meaning the bearing housing is resting on the axel like the bronze damper plate used to, therefore not engaging the bearing. Either way, it's not worse, and I don't the damper blades anymore to that's one thing less to grease and adjust periodically.
I have no first hand experience of Devol bushes, but it has been noted that they grab and stiffen the feel.
DaveW '05 Red Roadster S1 '16 Yellow (Not the only) Narrow AR GDI Plus 4
Simon H said they can make the steering notchy, but it's very smooth. I may consider bearings for on top of the rebound spring. They are fairly cheap and won't be a pig to fit like the main spring ones.
I have those fitted as well as OE top bearings. Some scoffed at their use as under compression of suspension the stub axle lifts off the rebound spring, conveniently forgetting that it's under compression by inner wheel when cornering as it limits roll. I know it lightens steering though.
See this video (posted many times before) which illustrates front suspension operation.
Richard
2018 Roadster 3.7 1966 Land Rover S2a 88 2024 Royal Enfield Guerrilla 450 1945 Guzzi Airone
I have those fitted as well as OE top bearings. Some scoffed at their use as under compression of suspension the stub axle lifts off the rebound spring, conveniently forgetting that it's under compression by inner wheel when cornering as it limits roll. I know it lightens steering though.
See this video (posted many times before) which illustrates front suspension operation.
I think I'll plump for some lower bearings as I'm only after lighter steering during manoeuvring so would think that the rebound spring is still engaged at such a slow speed and would at least make a small difference.
Personally, I don’t think lower bearings will make a scrap of difference. The main issue is that we all get cosseted with power steering on modern cars, and when faced with traditional steering, it makes it seem heavy. But, it is...what it is! Interestingly, a friend of mine was once an after sales rep for a housebuilding company. One common complaint was driveway surfaces tearing up and of course it all emanated from the “abuse” of power steering. You can see it every day where many drivers doing a three point turn, do the turning of the steering wheel when at a standstill rather than when slowly creeping. It makes a huge difference as most of us know...and were taught to do.
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