Front suspension & steering question

[Wana]

I was wondering if it is ok to go through the front suspension and steering components and just tighten up all the nuts I can see? My car feels just a very little bit sloppy at speed so I'm wanting to see if anything is obviously loose or can be tightened up any. Are there any pieces that I should avoid tightening or pay special attention to? I've already ensured that my front shock tower bolts are tight and have pulled on the wheels with the car jacked up to see if there was any in-out play in the bearings - there wasn't. Should I leave this kind of thing to someone who has experience (knows what the heck they're doing)?

 

[Bob Claffie]

Wana, you probably can't hurt anything, but I doubt you will cure anything either. As I recall my new 1959 3000 didn't go down the road anywhere near as true as my buddies 57 MGA. Even brand new it required almost constant minute steering corrections. You had to DRIVE the car 100% of the time. Bob

 

[Keoke]

Hi Wana,While the car is jacked up you should check to see if the kingpin bushes are worn. This is done by grabbing the tire at the top and bottom and then pull and push on it to see if there is in and out play. A second place to check is to watch the idler while the steering wheel is moved from side to side it may move up and down if it is improperly adjusted or side ways if the bushes are worn.The only two adjustments I can think of are; The steering box may have a bit of play and may be adjusted out using the large slotted screw located on its top. Similarly, the Idler can be removed and by selecting the cover gaskets its end play can be adjusted out. However, if the bushes mentioned herein are worn they must be replaced and reamed to fit.---Fwiw---Keoke

 

[Keoke]

Hi Bob, if your new Healey did that it certainly needed some attention.Historically, the Healey in good condition is known to track straight at speed and argue if you want it to turn.---Keoke

Yeah, I hear that sevice on this side of the pond back then was lousy.

 

[Bob Claffie]

Keoke, you're probably right. Another friend of mine had a new BN4 and it drove much nicer than mine. Trouble was the dealer was located 50 miles away and they had zero experience with the "new" 3000. Mine was likely the first on the east coast, May of 59. Bob