Rose Jointed Wishbones

[Ross_328i_sport]

Morning,

On some Caterham race cars I have noticed they run modified wishbones such that they utilise rose joint at all point to connect them to the chassis and upright. I have tried searching but cannot find where to purchase these wishbones. I currently run the ball joint/ rose join conversion for camber adjustment but would like to know where the wishbones are available to buy that have rose joints where they connect to the chassis.

Thanks

Ross

[Gingerbread Man]

There was a privately run bulk buy a while back. Not sure where to get them off the shelf though.

[SimonRogers]

I don't think there has ever been a bulk buy for rose jointed wishbones themselves - just the upper wishbone to upright which Ross has already.

First I have ever heard of doing this Ross.

I would just say Why? What are the benefits? Cost and downside?

[Ross_328i_sport]

Benefits I can see are they offer reduced friction over the standard bush and better feel with no compression of the rubber.

Further to this I would not think of any further advantage.

[Gingerbread Man]

Ahh my confusion

[SimonRogers]

But the ride would be harsh and any shock loads transferred direct to mounts/chassis etc.

If you want a slightly tighter "feel" and virtually zero friction - Powerflex is the way forward. I have measured the different friction/load levels and its so significant you need to consider spring rates.

The existing bushes act a little like a rising rate spring/anti roll bar. Up to 24 kg of force!

[BertBert]

I'd say that going from standard caterham bushing to rose joints will be a bit of a shock (in more ways than one).

I'd agree wioth the suggestion of powerflex bushing as a better way to go.

Bert

[woolleybac]

All the race cars here in South Africa run rose joints on all the A arm joints for ease of adjustment and low friction, I myself run needle bearings in the arms for low friction and the ability to fit seals for keeping water out and keeping the grease in.

I use mine on the road and race as well and you can feel the road a bit more without the rubber bush insulating the car, but its never bothered me and the near zero friction more than makes up for it.

It can be expensive to covert it and you have to use good quality joints as wear will be felt and heard once it starts, good for racing but limited for road use in the weather you get.

I have made a few sets for some of the race cars and I get my joints from McGill Motorsports in Scotland.

Chris.

[rdodger]

http://www.siltechracing.com/#!products-and-prices

Siltech have developed rose jointed wishbones. They displayed them at the Stoneleigh kit car show.

Unfortunately not on their website yet.

[BertBert]

Lots more maintenance checking, not a fit and forget item.

[fergus]

BertBert said:

Lots more maintenance checking, not a fit and forget item.

Graham, hi. Agreed, though if you use your car hard, or take it on track a lot, it's just something to add to your periodic checklist. At least Caterham don't "life" parts like the big R though! That would get painful, even though some of the higher spec 7s used on track with slicks are under similar load to the lower powered Rads.

[BertBert]

However roads tend to be much bumpier than tracks!