Front uprights(hubs)

[KOnahic]

I'm in the process of rebuilding the front uprights on my 7. I'm not sure which model they are, but they have the what appears to be bronze casting on the lower mounting point that lets them turn left & right. My question is: how do you get the bronze part off? I really don't want to break anything in the process.

Any & all help is greatly appreciated.

Kurt

[coffee break]

I have a little wear on my Caterham front suspension. The mechanic I have taken it to indicates the front bushings need to be reamed after installation. The spindles are Triumph Spitfire. To my knowledge they are the same for many years of production.

I hope others will reply to add to or correct this info.

PS So far the front end has not been reworked, my mechanic didn't seem very concerned about it.

[TheDingo8MyBaby]

It depends: they may be herald or spitfire if we are speaking about a Caterham/Lotus. Some of the earlier Caterhams and all Lotuses used trunions (which is a believe what you are describing as the bronze part). You should be able to simply unscrew them off the bottom of the upright.

 

Don't forget to lube them through the zerk fitting when you put things back together!

[The Stig]

Generally an easy to find Triumph Spitfire part. Try Moss Motors. http://www.mossmotors.com/Shop/ViewProducts.aspx?PlateIndexID=116139. When refitting, ensure it rotates, not tight. You may only need the stainless sleeve and new bolts.

[KOnahic]

All,

Many thanks for the information. They(the trunions) did indeed unscrew easily. I marked(left & right) them before removing them, only to find out they are threaded left & right depending on which hub it came off off. Giving all of the parts a quick look over, I don't see anything majorly wrong. Its just that the car was built 35 years ago & the guy(original owner) I bought it from told me the bearing had never been looked at. He also lived on a dirt road.

Having said that, does anyone know of a replacement bearing seal, or is the rope seal the only option?

Thanks again. This is what makes this forum great.

Kurt

[TheDingo8MyBaby]

...does anyone know of a replacement bearing seal, or is the rope seal the only option?

 

The felt seals are standard and come with most bearing kits. Dave Bean has a bearing shield made from a thin piece of formed metal that seems to work OK and doesn't require the upkeep of a felt seal.