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Posted By : Lindsay Dearing, 24-Dec-2004,
03:06pm
Whilst overhauling a rotoflex suspension for future use I noticed that, upon comparison, my RH rear vertical link was somewhat different to my LH (see
photo). One can only speculate as to what must have happened to have caused this, however, can it be put right? I have compared the dimensions, as given in
the Triumph workshop manual, and the RH (grey) link is closed up by 4 mm at the spring connection points and bent back by about he same. I am not a
metallurgist, but if it can be bent without obvious sign of damage, surely it can be put back. Anyone know if this is possible, or do I have to scrap
it?
Lindsay
Bent rotoflex rear vertical link
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Posted By : Van Hamlin, 26-Dec-2004,
12:38pm
Personally I wouldn't reuse it.
I think these are cast iron, which is a brittle metal rather than a bendy one. If so, it will be weakened. I am particularly wary of stuff like this
when I don't know how it happened. Perhaps it was worse and has already been bent back a bit. The more times it is bent the weaker it will get.
Did it fit over the tube inside the bush like this? I suspect the tube may have been cut down to make it fit.
If the geometry is affected, camber, castor etc of the wheel may be different.
Van
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Posted By : Lindsay Dearing,
27-Dec-2004, 00:33am
Hi Van. I have also posed this problem on another message board and no less a person than John Kipping has replied to the effect that it can be
bent back either cold or hot as it is a steel forging. He suggests I strip the hub first, but then I already have, (he has not seen the photo). I
purchased the rear suspension as just the driveshafts, wishbones and hubs. They originated from a 1970 Vitesse Mk2 and have been off the car for 20
years! (I think I now know why!) I intend taking it to a local blacksmith after the holidays and see what he can do with it. I have nothing to lose
as a replacement from Canley will cost £95. Fortunately this is a long term project and I am not in any hurry. Interestingly this RH
side of the suspension has also got a ruined hub and spacer due to the PO not shimming it properly. Fortunately the drive shaft and thread is OK,
but I was glad I had my Churchill type hub puller! The lower wishbone bolt on this link was also seized (are'nt they all) and required a 20 ton
press to get it out. Similarly the radius arm bracket, which was virtually destroyed (see photo)in the removal process. The LH side came apart with
no trouble at all.
Lindsay
Bent rotoflex rear vertical link
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Posted By : Van Hamlin,
27-Dec-2004, 04:16pm
You might find that if you bend it back so one dimension is right, then another will be wrong. Since these aren't off your car you don't know
any history. I personally wouldn't use the bent one. The alternative to a new upright is another second hand assembly (Stoneleigh show soon!),
but then you will probably have to push the wishbone bolt out of that one too. Then at least you might have some bits left over you could
resell.
I replaced the rotoflexes, UJs and wishbone bushes earlier this year. I found that the problem with the long bolt is that it is very hard to
hold the upright safely under a press since it is all curved surfaces. I still had hub and backplate attached which didn't help. An alternative
is to cut the wishbone away (SH ones from Canley are only about £20), cut the bolt flush with the upright, drill and tap a M8 hole
in it and use a bolt, a spacer and a washer to draw it out. Once it has moved slightly it will get easier, if it doesnt get easier then
pressing it out in the other direction will be easier.
I now have stainless studs in place of the wishbone bolts. Didn't try to remove the shock/radius arm bolt as I didn't see any need to.
Wheelbearings were OK as they were done last time rotoflexes were changed.
I realise of course that not everyone has the access to equipment that we have!
Regards
Van
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Posted By : Lindsay Dearing, 12-Jan-2005,
11:44am
As I mentioned on my earlier posts, I have now seen my local blacksmith who has skillfully realigned my bent RH rear vertical link. The two spring
supports were bent back by 7mm and 5mm respectivelyand the front fork 5mm back towards the centre. Compare this photo with the previous shot! Total
cost £15. A lot cheaper than buying a 'new' one, assuming I could find one. I am now on the lookout for two original fitting GT6
adjustable radius arms.....can anyone help?
Lindsay
Bent rotoflex rear vertical link-update