>From: "Martin Pearce" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > >Being new to this Spitfire fun, I keep reading that if you dont look after >the above then your suspension could literally fall apart. > >What I cant find out is whether there is a life expectancy for this item? >I >know they need regular lubrication with EP90 and not normal grease but how >often should they be replaced if at all. > >My own 63 Spit4 has not been used for 10yrs and from what I can see normal >grease has been used as the lubricant. > >Martin > > Well, you got a couple of things going here.
The trunnion bushes are a normal maintenance item and should be inspected as regularly as you inspect the rest of the suspension for play. There is a kit available that replaces all the parts. If money is an object (it is for me), I just buy the bushes alone ($5 for a set?) and replace them BEFORE they wear and destroy the other parts. I dont think that the trunnion itself is subject to much wear or breakage as a normal course. I suppose that the threads could develop a little slop after high mileages; more troublesome is if the bushes become too worn, the resulting play will cause the mounting hole (trunnion to lower A arm) to oval. The trunnion would then need to be replaced. The spot that breaks (catastrophically) is usually the vertical link where the lower portion threads into the trunnion. Under your circumstances (greased and sitting for 10 years), I would give VERY serious consideration to new vertical links, trunnions and a complete rebuild kit. My .02. Good luck! Greg Rowe _________________________________________________________________ /// [EMAIL PROTECTED] mailing list /// Send admin requests to [EMAIL PROTECTED] /// or try http://www.team.net/cgi-bin/majorcool /// Archives at http://www.team.net/archive /// Send list postings to [EMAIL PROTECTED] /// Edit your replies! If they include this trailer, they will NOT be sent.
