Canley Spitfire uprated uprights and hubs

[jbcollier]

For no particular reason, I decided to fit the uprated uprights and alloy hubs as offered by Canley Classics:

https://www.canleyclassics.com

(look under “New and Featured Products” and then “Suspension, Steering and Brakes”)

Regardless of the photos on the site, the uprights come in the newer, much stronger style.  There is no need to order the alloy caliper mounts as the new style of uprights come with the caliper mounts already.  You do need to order the newer style steering arm.  Here are some photos of the assembled upright, steering arm and lower joint:

https://jbcollier.smugmug.com/Lotus-Europa/i-5N63CH2/A

https://jbcollier.smugmug.com/Lotus-Europa/i-NrH8wtW/A

https://jbcollier.smugmug.com/Lotus-Europa/i-DFL64fB/A

Close ups of the lower spherical joint housing:

https://jbcollier.smugmug.com/Lotus-Europa/i-p9H7CJc/A

https://jbcollier.smugmug.com/Lotus-Europa/i-xtwfkMw/A

(replacement spherical joints are available)

The alloy hub uses larger bearings with built-in seals:

https://jbcollier.smugmug.com/Lotus-Europa/i-CsjpbC5/A

https://jbcollier.smugmug.com/Lotus-Europa/i-r9MgzTt/A

https://jbcollier.smugmug.com/Lotus-Europa/i-MdMRh83/A

The wheel bearings:

https://jbcollier.smugmug.com/Lotus-Europa/i-nNF4n9n/A

https://jbcollier.smugmug.com/Lotus-Europa/i-cN2H8QD/A

The substantially stronger stub axle, spacers and nut:

https://jbcollier.smugmug.com/Lotus-Europa/i-34hWqgb/A

https://jbcollier.smugmug.com/Lotus-Europa/i-MfJ7x3N/A

It's all a direct replacement that easily bolts into place:

https://jbcollier.smugmug.com/Lotus-Europa/i-ZFKRmsf/A

https://jbcollier.smugmug.com/Lotus-Europa/i-jhVC2Lg/A

https://jbcollier.smugmug.com/Lotus-Europa/i-MbStXWX/A

https://jbcollier.smugmug.com/Lotus-Europa/i-XjM5hxG/A

Finally check your front toe (no change) and you’re done.

Pluses?  It’s very strong, much lighter, more precise and better machined.

Minuses?  No seals on the spherical joint and stronger may mean a greater likelihood of bending the chassis.

[4129R]

I thought you only removed the backplate from the disc for extra cooling for competition only use.

Road dirt could damage the disc and make it last less long.

Any reason why you have no backplates?

[BDA]

I had seen that and was intrigued by it. The upright in the picture of their online catalog shows what looks like the a direct replacement by which I mean that it would require the standard brake caliper bracket. The one you have appears to have the brake caliper mounting bracket cast into the upright. If that is the case, I might not be able use these because I have Richard's vented front disk brakes which if I remember correctly, had its own caliper bracket.

The also seems that it would be very worthwhile to come up with some sort of cover for the lower spherical bearing. It looks like a great place for grit to collect and wear the bearing out quickly.

Thanks for the review, JB! It looks very well made and MUCH stronger than the standard upright. A very worthwhile upgrade for anybody's Europa!

[4129R]

How do you replace that lower rose joint if it does wear out?

How do you re-lubricate it?

I like my trunnions ! Easy to lubricate, and I have heaps of spares for both sides.

[jbcollier]

New backplates aren't here yet.  Simple to install afterwards.

I received the newer style uprights which is why I wanted to point this out.  The older style may not be available.

Given the design, a cover for the spherical joint would not be easy to fit.  They use a similar set up on Caterhams, no problem.

[jbcollier]

The spherical joint is easily replaced.  It's held in by a circlip.  No lubrication is required (they say) other than an occasional squirt of WD40.

Nothing wrong with trunnions.  Not keen on the plastic bushed swivel that bolts to the a-arm.  They don't last long, often seize and then wear the a-arms.

[BDA]

Good spherical bearings do not need lube. Did they recommend WD-40? I would have thought a dry lube - or no lube - would be better since it wouldn't attract dust and dirt. I have spherical rod ends on my lower rear suspension arms. When new, they are stiff to move because of their compression preloading. After less than 10,000 miles, although there was no perceptible slop in the ball, it was free moving. After that, I bought rubber boots for them. Maybe I just like to focus on the things that produce minimal gain (sometimes at the expense of things that would produce significant gain), but I would probably try to wrap the top opening of the spherical bearing something in an attempt to discourage dirt from collecting there if only a wide rubber band or a generous smearing of silicone goo. It might be messy and end up being for naught, but I'd probably try it anyway. The bottom of the bearings are probably at as much risk but I don't know what I'd do about that.

Just consider that I'm thinking to myself ... 

[dakazman]

Thanks John,
   I’m glad that for no particular reason you reasearched , purchased, assembled and most of all shared the results that look amazing and function better. 👍👍

You guys sold out the site , lol.  Good price for the pair. I’m going to put this on my want list , still dealing with my NEED list.

Thanks again JB
Dakazman
 

[jbcollier]

They do not tend to stock the parts.  They wait until they have a number of backorders and then they do a production run.  Service parts (bearings, spherical joints, etc) they do keep in stock.

The problem with cobbling together some sort of seal is not what it will keep out but what it may keep in.

[BDA]

The problem with cobbling together some sort of seal is not what it will keep out but what it may keep in.

Good point!

[Clifton]

I saw these a few years ago and was very tempted but ended up keeping the trunions. Many horror stories with the trunnions from Spitfire guys. Those bearings will probably outlast the car.

[jbcollier]

They don't like to be ignored and ignore is what many people do.  I also think using grease instead of oil is an issue but opinions vary.  I have taken apart a lot of trunnions with crusty dried out grease except for a strip of fresh grease where the slot is.  Not good, use oil.  The other issue is the pivot that attaches to the a-arm.  There are just plastic bushings with no provision for lubication after initial assembly.  Also common to wear, seize and then take out the a-arms.

All that said, these replacements are not perfect either with their exposed spherical joint.  Easier to see wear though.

[Certified Lotus]

Wish I had known about these when I was rebuilding the front suspension on my Twin Cam. Already spent the money on new OEM replacement parts. Have filed for future reference. Thanks for the info JB.