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Which steering arm to use?
https://www.ausmini.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=88398		 Page 1 of 1
Author:  Morbo28 [ Thu Jan 22, 2015 7:40 pm ]
Post subject:  Which steering arm to use?
Hi guys, sorry for the multiple threads started, but they are different questions and I didn't want them lost in my build thread!

I have built up the front and rear subframes/brakes/suspension assemblies. I used the original steering arms; all restored and fitted. When I was sifting through my parts bin I found the later, fatter type steering arms. Here's a pic of them both I found on an image search.

Image

Is there a preferred type to use? Only a short job to remove and fit the other ones if needed. Happy to take advice if you could please post your opinions.
Author:  drmini in aust [ Thu Jan 22, 2015 9:27 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Which steering arm to use?
It depends what rack you are using...
The middle and RH ones with ears on are both used for UK `Mk2 on' racks, which have a tighter turning circle (more teeth on the rack inside, and needs more turns lock to lock).

If it's an Australian made rack, you should use either the arm on the left, or the fatter (same shape) equivalent that was fitted from 1965? on. The LH one in the pic is 850 or maybe 997 Cooper.

[edit] It's not advised but people do mix and match arms and racks, but this can cause tyre scrubbing at or near full lock.
Author:  Morbo28 [ Fri Jan 23, 2015 7:14 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Which steering arm to use?
Okay - I found that pic on the net and I believe I have the left on currently installed. And I also have one that looks like the centre one. But I don't remember it having the 'ears' on it.

So given the two options you mentioned "If it's an Australian made rack, you should use either the arm on the left, or the fatter (same shape) equivalent that was fitted from 1965? on". Is the an advantage on going the fatter one over the slimmer one that I currently have installed?
Author:  drmini in aust [ Fri Jan 23, 2015 7:21 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Which steering arm to use?
I'd use 2 fat ones without ears if you have em. They are stronger, good for competition- but I doubt you'd ever bend the narrow 850 ones in road use.
Author:  VanMorrison [ Fri Jan 23, 2015 8:00 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Which steering arm to use?
Sorry for the hijack..

Are steering arms interchangeable from drums to discs?

Darcy
Author:  1071 S [ Fri Jan 23, 2015 8:20 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Which steering arm to use?
They're the same...functionally.

An Old&Bold racer once told me that they used the thin arm for competition back in the day. If you did clout something hard enough to bend the arm, it was better that the arm bent than that load be transferred into the rack...

Cheers, Ian
Author:  Morbo28 [ Fri Jan 23, 2015 10:06 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Which steering arm to use?
Thanks all for your input. I'll clean up and install the fat ones then. And Darcy, these were the original drum arms that I'm putting onto the now disc front end. Straight swap.

Interesting point Ian, my motorcycle pegs (rearsets) and levers all have week points for that purpose.
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