Show whole topic Sep 04, 2012 10:18 am
David Offline
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Registered since: Feb 05, 2011
Location: -


Subject: Re: De Dion / Transverse bars
Christian, I don't know how the geometry of the transverse torsion springs works as I've only seen one lower trailing arm off the car so have not seen both side by side to visualise the securing arrangements for the end of both springs. You are right that there is a lever on each spring about half way along, and these are used to adjust the rear ride height as far as I know; do these need to be released as well?. In addition each side has a webbing strap as a "bottom stop" to prevent the de Dion dropping too much. I guess these may have to be released in a controlled way once the aluminium casings have been removed in order to allow each spring to fully unwind for removal. I was at Wren 2-3 weeks ago and am having some difficulty now visualising just how Barry got the suspension to the state of disassembly I saw. Certainly the half shafts, brakes & hubs have to be removed from each side of the de Dion, either to permit access or to reduce mass. They also took the opportunity to refurbish the lower trailing arms, which as you know are made of 2 pieces of sprung steel riveted together, and which are a hidden rust trap, as well as represerve the other original components and chassis all around (although no welding was needed)