Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Classic Morgans (pre-CX) Steering bearings

Hey guys,
Power steering costs way too much and feedback is mostly negative, so I’ve decided to try bearings. I found a place somewhere in Asia I believe that will sell me 2 bearings (Federal Mogul/NTA 240) and 4 washers (Federal Mogul/ TRA 2840 for $60. Not sure I trust them.
I’ve contacted Wolf Performance but haven’t heard back from them yet.
I’ve heard that Thorington makes these bearings sets but I’ve no idea where to start with them.
Has anyone of you installed a set of these bearings on a plus 8. Any advice with numbers or sources would be greatly appreciated.
Richard

I would suggest buying the full set from Wolf Performance who include lower torsion bearings as well fitting below stub axle and interfacing with rebound springs. The latter make a noticeable addition to steering lightness given the dynamics of the suspension system. Maybe consider fitting their rebound springs gaiters at the same time as they include a groove to hold the bearing/washer assembly in place whilst fitting as shown below.

Allon White used to sell the Wolf bearings. I know Cain & Michele have some ill parents right now so going to AW could be quicker.

There are various options at https://www.mulfab.co.uk/products/steering/ including a new product, steering bearings with housing.

They do not give details (type, height) of their newer steering bearing/races. They do not give details of the spring rates or lengths. Do you have these? Makes no sense to buy without this information unlesm you know what you need and ask for it.

I do like their adjustable ride height progressive rebounds. Very cool. I will try them next summer when I am back with my car.

Check out the concurrent thread to this one at https://www.talkmorgan.com/ubbthreads.php/topics/849205/1

L.

Thanks gomog,

I replaced the OEM front suspension with the SSL kit I purchased through Morgan Spares about 6 or 8 months ago. It has been a disaster.
I don’t know what the spring rate or length is. I assumed that this would be the same for all 2003 plus 8s. No?
The steering has been very difficult even at speed. Making a left or right hand turn at 10 to 15 mph uncomfortably difficult.
I admittedly I don’t know much about these bearings but they look like they would simply replace the existing original equipment washers with little effect on height.
I don’t have a Morgan dealer here in Tallahassee. My nearest dealer is in Daytona Beach. I plan to take my car to them as soon as the weather cools to have them examine the front suspension (SSL kit) and see if they can get it sorted. I was hoping to have the bearings available when I bring the car to them in October or early November.
How would I determine the spring rates and length so that I know I will be ordering the proper parts?
Richard

Hi Recosan,

I installed myself the SSL kit on my 2005 PLUS 4 in July 2017. A great improvement on the comfort and ride. No problem with the steering, the steering was lighter. The kit included bearings for the main spring sitted at the lower part of the upper spring.

First check at static ride if the lower rebound springs are free and have just a little play, they can be turned by hand without vertical play. If you have a trolley, lift the front of the car and release quickly the lowering valve of the trolley to drop the front of the car and check.

The SSL kit allow to adjust the compression of the main spring in order to free the rebound springs. This is mandatory.

Depending of the position of the spacer during the assembly: High ride or low ride, the upper gap between the top flange and the locking ring is roughly 70mm (high ride) and 50mm (low ride) for a +8. (2017 documentation)
What configuration has been choosed? High or Low.

Nota: you can keep the previous washers/blades with the provided bearings if you have shimmy.

SSl kit (2017):
main spring 250mm length, 1.9 daN/mm stiffness ,
rebound spring 65mm length , 3 to 7.2 daN/mm variable stiffness


You can contact Daniel White or Peter Ballard. https://www.suspensionsupplies.co.uk/

CBY,
Thanks for all the info.
I am emailing Peter and Daniel right now. I’ve spent over $1500 on mechanics here in Tallahassee not to mention cost of installation so I plan to drive my car down to The Daytona Beach Morgan dealer and have them sort it out. I read many reviews of the SSL upgrade before shelling out a $1000 for the kit. Like you, most people found the new suspension “transformative”! My experience was the opposite.
I’m hoping that after getting the suspension sorted and bearings installed to ease the steering, it will finally feel transformative.
Richard

Hi Recosan,

They must have the SSL installation notice. Have you changed the kingpins? If they have to dismantled the suspension change the kingpins and the bushes if it has not been done previously.

I had steering bearings fitted on my +4 with new king pin bushes a few months back. Steering is much lighter, BUT the damper blades need to be removed (or should be to make the bearings effective). The steering wheel now shakes like mad on un-even roads, not too bad on smooth roads though. I have ordered a steering damper to help (https://www.mulfab.co.uk/products/steering/) although not fitted it yet.

As it is, it is not a nice car to drive, so I think the steering damper is a must (assuming it works as expected!!)