Have always wondered how the axle brackets stay intact on a book car bearing in mind how thin the axle tube wall is!!!!!

So I finally couldn't take it anymore and have fitted extra plates around the front of the axle tube, so now hopefully I do not have to worry about being hit up the backside by a runaway axle...............
Rescued attachment plate front bolted sml.jpg

Rescued attachment plate welded front sml.jpg

I was thinking that too.

But then I heard about all those people who'd fitted an extra plate which had caused unusual stresses in the trailing arms and caused them to be forced inwards and through the backs of the drivers seat!




Cheers,
James

I have been thinking the same but it is a tried and tested method so decided not to change.

How can adding a plate , force the trailing arms sideways, they can only move if the original mounting gives way...........true or false , I await the arrival of boffins.

And fit a new blade in my angle grinder just in case
Rescued attachment plate bolted rear sml.jpg

i think james was joking

In all the years people have been racing 'book' Locosts with that set up I don't recall a single failure of a properly welded bracket/axle (I do remember a couple of badly welded brackets falling off mind you!)

They get some proper abuse too so I don't think you need to be too worried.

Will that give the axle some toe in when the weld shrinks the metal?

quote:

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Will that give the axle some toe in when the weld shrinks the metal?

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You are probably right Mr Beddows, the axle has stayed put for 6 years.

But when you've built the car from scratch you can get to worry .when driving at silly speeds!!

Also I have 2.0 Zetec to put in at some time, which is a bit beyond the original power spec.

I'll stop worrying about the axle and concentrate on the wishbones falling off now!!!

Regarding wishbones,,, is there a usage timescale for their lifespan ?? I know it will depend on mileage and probably lots of other things, but is just a visual 'look over' enough of a test ??? or should they be replaced after a certain time / milage
????

Jason

"And some fell on stony ground"



[Edited on 17/5/06 by James]

Shame about the welding....

worrying about brands next week AGAIN are you dave?

NED: I have thought about the axle mounts for yonks but , the thought of going into Paddock Bend and turning left instead of right doesn't thrill me...................I've even bought some Mintex1144's and a fuel tank breather valve, also fitted some side mirrors so I can see where you are!!!!

[Edited on 16/5/06 by Surrey Dave]