Spitfire 1500

[Chris Bracey]

Hi.  Will incorrect shimming (chassis to suspension arms ) cause the steering to be heavy?

My spitfire is signficantly heavier to manouver from a standstill than my midget that has alloys fitted with larger tyres. Steering moves freely enough when jacked up and i have oiled the trunnions.  Any advice or thoughts.

[Pete Lewis]

alll incorrect geomerty has an effect but may not load the steering to park up  thats more down to tyre make and pressures 

what psi do you use ,  the book is way out for a modern tyre which may need upto 6psi extra to support the tyre 

Pete

[Chris Bracey]

Ah. I am using book pressures. That might be the answer.

[Pete Lewis]

its a bit trial and error getting a pressure that the tyre responds to ,gives a easier steer, but doesnt shake your teeth out 

tyre construction is very different today compared to 50years ago 

Pete

[Clive]

I run 25psi all round on my spit. It does have rotoflex, so probably slightly unusual.

Tyres are 185 width. Stationary it is a bit heavy, but then we were taught not to turn the steering wheel until you are moving! Once underway, I really like the way the steering feels.

This is with a 13" steering wheel. Smaller would be heavier, larger easier. It is also possible to fit a GT6/vitesse pinion to the steering rack to make things easier.

[Colin Lindsay]

My local tyrefitter gets all of my Triumphs and recommends about 30 per wheel, sometimes as high as 32. He's been in the business for forty years now and drives a few old cars and motorbikes himself, so I'd trust his judgement.

[NonMember]

I fiddled with pressures a bit when I had my first Vitesse and settled on 30psi all round, which I've basically stuck with. Seems to work well with modern tyres.

[Rabbit]

I bought a RWD 67k Dolomite 1500TC. Steering was SO heavy it was a pig to drive and as to parking . . . . . Anyway, checked pressures and correct to book at 24lb I think. Anyway put them up to 30 and the difference was amazing, not to much harder but a lot easier to park. Still heavy at parking but acceptable. A small amount of play in the bottom steering joint made the steering unpleasant (steering all the while), so replaced and now excellent. There was very little visible play in the joint but when moving the weight of the car made it very noticeable. Once again, new one fitted and steering now superb. It still rolls on bends and corners so next job . . . . . . . well, you all know how it goes!