The Triumph Dolomite Club - Discussion Forum

Hi all,

I am planning on overhauling the front suspension on my Toledo - I've done the ARB bushes and shocks, so think I need to replace ball joints, track rod ends and get some superflex bushes for the upper wishbones and tie bars. My steering isn't self-centering, I've done the steering joints so think this could be ball joint related(?)

My question is can I just buy some of the rose-jointed (dolomite style) TCAs to replace my toledo-style ones? Do I need any other parts to do so? I think the subframe bracket may be different?

Thinking of this sort of thing: https://rimmerbros.com/Item--i-UKC1698

Cheers
Jack

The Toledo plain bushed track control arms are interchangeable with the Dolomite "rose joint" style ones.

Toledo TCAs are NLA, Dolomite ones can be bought, as you have discovered. What are not so freely got are the tin bush shields for the rose joint style, though I believe some from the Herald trunnion bush kit are a close match.

Alternatively, Chris Witor does a Superflex polybush kit specifically for the Toledo type TCA. Fit and forget!

Stiff and heavy or notchy steering is nearly always something to do with the intermediate steering column UJ seizing up. But, as I found on my Sprint, it can also be a seized balljoint, (upper right in my case) this was not a used one that had seized in service, but a poorly assembled new one. This is an object lesson on "new is not always better" and "if it aint broke....."

A loss of self centering without stiffness (it CAN happen) is usually a castor issue which could be front tie bar bushes or the TCA bushes, though, from experience, the latter normally causes a twitchy, nervous feeling in the steering, rather than loss of self centering. It's worth using poly on the front tie bar bushes too, from a longevity perspective.

Rather than just throw the "parts cannon" at it, I recommend disconnecting both track rod ends at the outer balljoints. this will let you assess whether either stub axle or the rack/column assembly is to blame.

HTH, Steve

jackharper wrote: ↑Sun Dec 17, 2023 8:34 pm Thinking of this sort of thing: https://rimmerbros.com/Item--i-UKC1698

Is there a Rimmers sale at this time of year?
They always had various suspension parts in the sale,
I am pretty sure I bought new TCAs in one of they sales.


It seems a long since I received any communications from Rimmers, which is curious
as I spent a fair lot with them?


Ian

Cheers Steve. I did wonder whether I could just superflex the existing items! Will take your advice with ball joints & track rod ends.

Not sure whether Rimmers have a sale on I'm afraid - I got a leaflet in the post a month or so ago I think but looks to have expired now.

Errr… both sides look like this - I think these are the dolomite style ones? Perhaps someone has been here before me.

Also, think I’ve found (some) culprits for the rubbish steering - these two lower ball joints are gone. One notchy and missing its boot and the other won’t move much at all. Uppers seem OK as the vertical link/hub move freely with the lower disconnected, hopefully that’s a good test.

jackharper wrote: ↑Mon Jan 01, 2024 5:52 pm Errr… both sides look like this - I think these are the dolomite style ones? Perhaps someone has been here before me.

This is entirely possible, as Toledo type TCAs became NLA, the simple soluion was just to buy and fit the Dolomite type rose joint ones. Even main dealers did it whilst the cars were still current. It's no big deal and the good thing about the rose joint style is the bushes seem to me to be effectively immortal. I can't ever remember changing a TCA for bush failure, only impact damage (bent)

Steve

jackharper wrote: ↑Mon Jan 01, 2024 6:14 pm Also, think I’ve found (some) culprits for the rubbish steering - these two lower ball joints are gone. One notchy and missing its boot and the other won’t move much at all. Uppers seem OK as the vertical link/hub move freely with the lower disconnected, hopefully that’s a good test.

Yep, that'll do it! If the top BJs are free and no excess play, leave well enough alone!

Steve

Carledo wrote: ↑Mon Jan 01, 2024 10:07 pm the good thing about the rose joint style is the bushes seem to me to be effectively immortal. I can't ever remember changing a TCA for bush failure, only impact damage (bent)

Steve

I think I have been unlucky here Steve because my experience is the opposite,
although it is actually the rusting away of the water shields that is the cause of the problem,
thereby letting water into the joint. The worst part is the wear of the TCA mounting bolts that results....



Ian


PS I have done the google search thingie which suggests rainfall here in Caithness is no greater than Shropshire