prepare for Laon Historique 2021, Springs

 

In preparation for the Laon Historique I changed the front spring to gain some height at the front. The "new" springs had gone soft and I was almost running on the bump stops.

I fitted the "long" springs but without the rubber donut and the ride height is just right. and I can add the donut if they go soft.

The Laon classic was well organised.

On the saturday we were given a route to follow so the co-pilots had some work to do.

On the sunday the towns roads are closed and the  cars "parade" around the streets. 

Its not a race - but one keeps up with the guy in front!

starring at time 2:26min

https://youtu.be/RQDYH3Gd8R4

On the way home (in the UK)  the proshaft lost a circlip so we had to stop when the car suddenly started to shake.

Both UJ's seemed a bit damaged - maybe due to lack of greaseing - or too much torque.

Ordered GKN U040 no grease nipple replacements.

The GKN U040 have larger rollers but seem otherwise to be the same.

Fitting is fairly easy. 

Although I had trouble with two circlips at the yoke end.

its a bit tight.

If using a version with grease nipple then the nipple needs to fit in the correct orientation on the propshaft which has an indentation for it.

Shown here.

nn

Engine strip again and front suspension

 Finally got the crank out - it looks like I fitted the flange bearings the wrong way up - blocking the oil port!! Wally..


Specialised engines in Essex have a crank for exchange and all the bits and pieces required to rebuild.

 Decided to change the Dampers and Springs while I had a spare Sunday.
The M10 rod wasn't really man enough to act as a spring compressor without the aid of another jack to assist.

The old springs had shortened with age and were definitely beyond use as the Sunbeam used to bottom out on corners and one side was lower than the other.

The front looks a bit odd... I hope its better with the engine back in!

Will do the rear springs soon.

The new series 3 springs I had bought were the wrong length at 11.65" .
No one had 11.175" springs in stock so had some made.

The new springs then lowered the front by an inch to match the rear springs