Conference terri::cars_uk

Apparantly (although as you can imagine, I've never checked it out in
practice), the lower trunnions tend to snap only at very low speeds.
Usually when pulling away and turning at the same time ... perhaps this
is the point of maximum load on the trunnion.

In the '70s and '80s it was common to see Minor 1000s littered around the
place with the front wheels hanging off for this very reason.

    
    The Spit/Herald lower trunnion is renowned for being weak (and contrary
    to .1 they can fail at high speed - Numerous Marcos owners will atest
    to this!). The answer, really, is to keep the trunnion well lubricated
    and this mean putting engine oil (not grease as this clogs with muck 
    and becomes usless after a while) in the grease nipple on the inside of 
    the upright.
    
    This isn't a major task (well within DIY scope even for a relative
    newcomer as it's really just a nut and bolt job), but being in the 
    front suspension you may find lots of seized and rusted nuts and bolts 
    and a torque wrench is an ABSOLUTE MUST for reassembly.
    
    Have fun!
    
    Mark
    
    PS If your brake discs are scored this would be a good time to replace
    them. They're a suprisingly cheap part and you'll take them off during 
    the job anyway.

    It does happen mainly at low speeds at corners though clearly can
    happen sometimes at high speed. Presumably the stress is highest in
    these conditions because people tend to be forcing the steering wheel
    round against the resistance of the tyre - less likely at anything
    above walking speed.  It used to be the case that the standard British
    Post Office broken down delivery van was always on a street corner for
    just this reason (when they had the old Morrises).

    I was reversing and turning the wheel when it happened so maybe this
    supports that theory.
    
    Barry
    (P.s. Got quoted 160 quid for the parts from the garage.....through BL
    but I managed to get the parts for 75 quid from a supplier called
    Rimmer Brothers whos recommended by the Triumph Sports Six Club.....god
    bless car clubs !!)
    

    
    Which parts? Even �75 sounds dear for an upright and trunnion.
    
    Mark

    Trunnion kit (consisting of trunnion, 4 bolts, 4 nuts and a seal) =
    17.50
    
    Bush and Pin kit = 6.50
    
    Left Hand Vertical Link = 39.00
    
    Add the VAT on and you get about 75 quid............reasonable ??
    
    Barry
    

    
    Umm. Put like that it doesn't sound too bad, but have you called any
    of the motor factors? You might find that pattern parts will be cheaper
    (unless you're dead keen to have genuine parts!).
    
    Mark

    I would like to keep genuine parts BUT if this meant spending a lot
    more then I think I'd change my mind. As these prices dont seem bad
    when you look at the individual prices I think I'll stick with them.
    
    Another side to look at it is that if you stick to genuine parts all
    the time I suppose maintenance/fixing etc etc becomes easier cos the
    reference manual always has the right instructions/diagrams !!
    
    Perhaps I am getting the wrong idea of pattern parts though....are they
    exactly the same part as the original but made out of different
    materials or are they different parts that are "compatible"......please
    explain ??
    
    Barry
    

    
    Pattern parts are (supposedly) EXACTLY the same parts, but made by
    a supplier other than the manufacturer (In some cases, the very same
    part with a different manufacturers stamp!). They should always be 
    totally interchangeable with the original part, except in odd cases
    (say thermostats) where a non-crucial change is made. If you buy
    reputable pattern parts from reputable suppliers you won't go wrong,
    but manufacturers claim that their parts have a longer life - how true
    this is, is debateable.
    
    Mark

 In my experience pattern parts are the same as the origionals but cheaper.

 I dont know wether they'll last as long though.

	Barrie.

    So where do you get these pattern parts from ??
    
    Barry
    

    
    
    There is a place in Bracknell (Southern ind) called Cafcos (SP?).
    
    They are a well known and I believe reliable soure of pattern 
    parts. I don't have the tele number or the exact address but I
    can find out if you wish, unless someone has that info to hand.
    
    JN.

Even genuine parts are not often made by the vehicle manufacturer, but
by a manufacturer who supplies these parts to the vehicle manufacturer.
Often pattern parts are made by suppliers who supply similar but genuine
parts to other vehicle manufacturers, so it's possible to get parts made by the
same manufacturer which for one vehicle are genuine, and for another are
pattern !!! Make sense ?

Where safety is concerned, I tend to be cautious. The same is true however
where money is concerned :-). I tend to buy a mix of genuine and pattern
parts ...

    Could someone get the address and telephone number of this place for me
    then please ??
    
    Barry
    

    
    CAFCO - Unit 4 Nimrod Way, Elgar Rd - (0734) 868456
    
    This branch is in Reading (If it's the one I used a couple of years ago
    it's off the Basingstoke Road).
    
    Mark

    Remember to ask them for a discount too. They have a discount card
    which you should be able to get them to give you. Might help if
    you say you work for digital!
    
    Malcolm

    Thanks a lot.....I think I might try to find them on Saturday.....
    
    
    Once again members of this conference have supplied me with priceless
    information !!
    
    Barry
    

    On pattern parts...
    
    The reputable dealer was Les Smith. I purchased a Mini CVJ pattern
    part. The original part lasted 8 years, & the pattern 2 years ( but it
    was 40% cheaper). So, you pays yer money etc.
    
    I can remember in my Car factory days that the parts which were
    outsourced were still subjected to QC, i.e. random brunel tests,
    hairline crack inspection etc.
    
    Doubt if Les Smith does this.
    
    Tony.

    Just out of interest, it does appear that some modern cars may still
    fail in the same way occasionally. My next-door neighbour had a narrow
    escape when the nearside track contol arm of his MK1 Astra GTE sheered,
    again (fortunately) at low speed. The track control arm on the Astra, as
    with most modern Macpherson strut designs, is made of pressed steel. It
    fractured, showing obvious signs of metal fatigue, near the track
    control arm to hub carrier ball joint. 
    
    This is not a common fault, and it is conceivable that the car had
    suffered accident damage earlier in its life that had stresed the track
    control arm and started the rot. Still, you never know......
    
    Brian