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Something broke

To: MGS <mgs@autox.team.net>
Subject: Something broke
From: Eric <eric@erickson.on.net>
Date: Fri, 07 May 2004 02:33:55 +1030
Also, in describing my horror run at our last supersprint event I
believe I mentioned that "something went bang in the front end" as I was
enjoying the new found grip around a tight left-hand 'sweeper'.

The new negative camber front end and limited slip diff was allowing me
to tuck in tight on the ripple strip 'underneath' a car that was taking
the line I used to have to take around this tight curving bend.  As I
slightly accelerated through the bend (enjoying this tight line) when in
the past I would have been REALLY feathering the throttle, I heard and
felt something go BANG in the front end. And suddenly the car felt very LOOSE.

I thought something had gone in the steering but I was able to finish
this last lap - albeit much more cautiously than ever before and with a
car that was behaving very badly.

Well, I soon found out what the damage was.

I had actually broken the front sway-bar bracket (7/8" sway bar) - but
worse was to come.  When I got under the car to replace the bracket (a
five minute job) I got the front bolt out although it was a little stiff
but when I tried to get the rear bolt out I found it to be bent and very
hard to turn... closer inspection showed a slight split or crack away
from the bolt hole!

I had literally torn the bolts out of the subframe.

I guess you can lock the car down pretty tight but going through a
corner like that, the car will still try to "twist".  Push it hard
enough and the weakest point will give way.

I am going to have to look at reinforcing this weakpoint!




-- 
Eric
'68MGB MkII
Adelaide, South Australia





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