Lagondaforum

Subject: Re: Front Axle Wedges?

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I bought one of these Wixey digital angle gauges, which arrived today. It’s a neat unit. I tried it on my 16/80 which has long wings so the flat bracket used to support the cycle wing brackets seems the ideal place to put the gauge. I set it to zero in the ground and then obtained a reading of 3 degrees castor so this might be the right figure. This car is a delight to drive, with light, precise steering.

A word of caution. I currently have the engine out so this measurement may change after it goes back in. When I get a chance I will measure the castor angle on some more cars and report back.

Great tool. Maybe my shelves will now be level as well.

Colin M34

Subject: Re: Front Axle Wedges?

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Thank you Colin. That seems worth a try. Have recently had the axle off as the new club kp's fell through the worn axle eye. (I exagerate a little but there was 30 thou difference. Re bushed and all going back together at the moment. Have fitted a couple of wedges(folded-over metal strips) which David Ayre gave me some while back. Will report in due course but I envy your enthusastic description of your steering.
Don

Subject: Re: Front Axle Wedges?

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Hi Folks,

Here is an update on measuring castor angle using the Wixey inclinometer. It seems to be around 5.9 degrees on my 2 Litre. This car handles pretty well and the steering is not heavy. This reading is possibly more reliable than the one I posted for my 16/80. This because because it has the engine out at the moment, so most of the weight is off the springs.

The Wixey unit is so precise that it seems to indicate slightly more castor angle on one side than the other by about 0.2 of a degree!

My 2 Litre is a a high chassis version and the unit sits very conveniently on the spring pads.

Colin M34

Subject: Re: Front Axle Wedges?

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For Don Courtney - my apologies for failing to reply to your post, I've not visited the forum for some time being preoccupied with moving house etc etc... I got my wedges for not a lot of money from LMB but have yet to play with them so can't comment on their value I'm afraid. If anyone does have the castor angle of a well-steering HC, it would be good to know it.

John

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Subject: Re: Front Axle Wedges?

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Thanks John,
Have also been away hence short delay in acknowledging. An engineering chum (replica steam engines) in the village is going to make some up for me. Have bought a Wixey - very good, and will report in due course.
Don

Subject: Re: Front Axle Wedges?

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When ever I have had to adjust a front axle,I use washers under the back of the axle and simply add or subtract different thicknesses to suite.Once happy with the result I then make the wedges.
Adrian Lead