Talbot Steering

[dick campbell]

My 90 had excessive understeer. The front wheels were toeing out so I made shims to correct this. Whilst much improved there is still a tendencey to understeer, especially when powering out of a bend.

The question is....should Talbots have neutral steering or a degree of over/understeer. If I want to get to a more neutral position, what can I do? I could just keep inserting more shims until no more improvement.

My rear springs are due for replacement and when done I guess the the rear ride height will raise by 2". This will slightly reduce the caster angle.

[jameswheildon]

Hi Dick, Somewhere in Arthur Archer's notes you will find a reference to front wheel geometry. I think, from memory that they should toe in by about 1/8th". It may be that the new rear springs will improve things as sometimes wear in the rear bushes etc allows lateral movement of the axle and this interferes with the steering. I've also heard that increased castor caused by soggy rear springs can cause front wheel shimmy. Somewhere amongst us there is an expert who will be able to definitely tell us all the answers! James.

[gordon higginbotham]

Hi Dick,
Have you looked at the excellent Michael Marshall article in issue 89, Nov/Dec 2017? I wonder whether his comment on bent track rods could have any relevance to your issue? I don't know whether he has any comment to make on the question of oversteer/undedrsteer but you could ask him.

[gordon higginbotham]

Hi Dick,

I came across this article by David Adams titled "Ride and steering". Whilst relating to Sunbeams I think, that it applies very well to the Talbot. I found it very interesting. Hope it might help. Ride and Steering by David Adams - updated.pdf