Andy69 Posted October 31 Share Posted October 31 Making some repairs to the lower frame, I have the opportunity to replace the trunnion sleeves. Originals aren’t bad but are 30 years old. They are steel, 11/16 OD 5/8 ID and 1 1/4” length. Closest I can find are either 5/8 or 3/4 OD. Any issues using either one or would I be better off just using the originals? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jbcollier Posted November 1 Share Posted November 1 What are you calling trunnion sleeves? These? They are wear items. Change if there is play. Care fully check the trunnions for play when mounted onto the uprights. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IamScotticus Posted November 1 Share Posted November 1 @Andy69 which oil will you be using for the trunnions? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy69 Posted November 1 Author Share Posted November 1 7 hours ago, jbcollier said: What are you calling trunnion sleeves? These? They are wear items. Change if there is play. Care fully check the trunnions for play when mounted onto the uprights. Thats what I’ve been calling them, maybe it’s not the right term in this context. I’m talking about the mounting sleeves for the lower wishbones. They are brazed in place, and while they still seem fine as far as play, they are worn slightly oblong, like just barely noticeable to the eye. I haven’t measured it exactly. I don’t know if there is a spec for what’s acceptable wear. This is on a 1992 Supersprint Originals are 1/2” ID, 11/16 OD and 1 1/4” long. I can only find 5/8 and 3/4 OD in steel. Im afraid the smaller won’t be strong enough and the latter would weaken the 1” tube frame at that point by reducing the material in the tube. I could use bronze but that might wear faster, plus I have zero experience working with bronze. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jbcollier Posted November 1 Share Posted November 1 Can you post a photo? Or reference an online photo? Just want to make sure I understand exactly which part you are referencing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jbcollier Posted November 1 Share Posted November 1 Here's a typical chassis: The lower arm mounts onto a pin at the front and the rear bush is bolted to a chassis member. What part are you referring to? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy69 Posted November 1 Author Share Posted November 1 The sleeve that’s inside the frame upright. The originals are 1/2” ID and 11/16” OD. I can only find steel sleeves that are either 5/8” or 3/4” OD. I can reuse the old ones but I’d like to replace if I can given the inside is slightly oblong due to wear. Edit: I just discovered that the inside bushing sleeves in the wishbones are exactly the same, and since I’m upgrading to a wide track kit I’ll be able to use one from the old lowers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jbcollier Posted November 1 Share Posted November 1 The only way those sleeves can wear is if the suspension arm bolt and nut are loose. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MV8 Posted November 1 Share Posted November 1 (edited) The sleeve should be sticking out from the frame when tight. You need enough washer/shim or longer sleeves. I'd use a washer the same id as the sleeve and not worry about a little wear to the sleeve end from being loose. Edited November 1 by MV8 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EdWills Posted Wednesday at 09:59 PM Share Posted Wednesday at 09:59 PM On 11/1/2024 at 12:21 PM, Andy69 said: The sleeve that’s inside the frame upright. The originals are 1/2” ID and 11/16” OD. I can only find steel sleeves that are either 5/8” or 3/4” OD. I can reuse the old ones but I’d like to replace if I can given the inside is slightly oblong due to wear. Edit: I just discovered that the inside bushing sleeves in the wishbones are exactly the same, and since I’m upgrading to a wide track kit I’ll be able to use one from the old lowers. Hi Andy. I just checked my parts boxes, and found some original chassis bushes that were intended for repairs on my old Lotus Seven chassis. These bushes are 0.691 inches o.d. (my equivalency chart says 11/16 inches is 0.6875 inches), and the i.d is 1/2 inch (in your original post you mentioned 5/8 inches i.d.?) and a half-inch bolt fits snuggly inside the bush. These bushes are over 1-1/2 inches long so they can be reduced in length for a good fit. They are free if you don't mind paying the postage, but, (here's the big 'but') Canada Post is on strike, and if you are in a rush for them to complete a project, I don't know when they can be posted to you. As the outside diameter is slightly larger than you require, (and also the length of course), a competent machinist can reduce these to your specification. A local high school with students learning the trades may be a possibility if permitted (without incurring legal liability problems?). To do some welding jobs for me, I approached a local high school in my city, and the shop teacher advised that for a box of doughnuts for his students, he would do some work for me for free. Not too bad a deal! Let me know if these would be suitable. Will Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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