vertical link failure
Posted: Sun Oct 14, 2012 10:28 pm
I was reading about Triumph Spitfire vertical link failures. Apparently it is caused by a stress riser created when corrosion forms at the top of the portion of the link that threads into the trunion. It usually fails at low speed with sharp turn angles. Although this is not always the case.
It appears one or both of my links may have a small patch of old corrosion in this area. As since I restored the car they have been properly cleaned, painted and lubricated it is not presently active rust.
I will thoroughly clean and inspect and replace if deemed necessary. Therein lies the difficulty. How much corrosion is likely to produce a failure? Considering the potential for disaster any corrosion should scrap the part.
I understand that my +2 uses the GT6 links with the larger bearings and a different stub axle.
Has anyone replaced their links with the new Canley (UK) "trunion-less" vertical links? Worth the cost?
There is also the issue of current new vertical links with regard to quality and whether all the usual suspects (Rimmer, Canley, Moss etc) sell the same part.
Bob
1969 Elan +2
1968 TVR Vixen (possibly the 1968 New York Auto Show display car)
1963 Jaguar MK2
It appears one or both of my links may have a small patch of old corrosion in this area. As since I restored the car they have been properly cleaned, painted and lubricated it is not presently active rust.
I will thoroughly clean and inspect and replace if deemed necessary. Therein lies the difficulty. How much corrosion is likely to produce a failure? Considering the potential for disaster any corrosion should scrap the part.
I understand that my +2 uses the GT6 links with the larger bearings and a different stub axle.
Has anyone replaced their links with the new Canley (UK) "trunion-less" vertical links? Worth the cost?
There is also the issue of current new vertical links with regard to quality and whether all the usual suspects (Rimmer, Canley, Moss etc) sell the same part.
Bob
1969 Elan +2
1968 TVR Vixen (possibly the 1968 New York Auto Show display car)
1963 Jaguar MK2