S1 tyres catching front frame on full lock

[phoenix]

This 1966 S1 is a full build with unknown source of some parts including the steering rack.
When we apply full lock the inside edge of the tyre catches the lower part of the front frame on the bit that sticks out of the tubular frame. By the way the car is on axle stands and it has a new front frame and rack.
It is only a little bit but obviously unacceptable probably 5mm each side.
anyone come across this before. Thanks Guys

[mgcjag]

What size wheels/tyres...do they catch when not on full drop and car is sitting normal?.....Steve

[bitsobrits]

If the car is on jack stands, with the suspension drooping, then the tires will be closer to the engine frames and may well contact said frames on full lock.

If the car is sitting on it's tires and has been rolled a bit after being lifted, then the tires should not contact the frames. If they do and it's only on one side, then the steering rack has not been centered. If on both sides, then you may have the wrong rack.

[abowie]

If the car is on jack stands, with the suspension drooping, then the tires will be closer to the engine frames and may well contact said frames on full lock.

You may be right, but I've never seen this.

[bitsobrits]

That's why I said "may" contact.

And I've never seen it either because I don't like the idea of going lock to lock on an E-Type with suspension at full droop due to possible issues with the upper ball joints and/or their gaiters.

But as the wheels move inward by 1/2" or so at full droop, it seems possible the tire could make contact on full lock. Steering geometry at full droop may also come into to play here, but I'm having trouble clearly visualizing that.

And as MGCJAG noted, tire size may also be a contributing issue.

[chrisfell]

Mine used to as well. Tyres were wrong size (185/65R15) and the front ride height was too high.

[phoenix]

The tyres fitted to this car are 185/80/VR15.
They only just touch but not right.
Everything on the front suspension is new so no play anywhere .
I would say catching only by 2-3 mm.

[mgcjag]

With suspension on drop or with car on the ground?...is you ride height set correct and all you alignment...camber, toe?........Steve

[phoenix]

Still on stands but all tracking camber etc set.

[mgcjag]

See post 3 above.....Steve

[bitsobrits]

It's not important at all if the tires are touching while on the stands. Get it on the ground, and after having rolled the car by a car length or two (to settle the suspension and allow the track width to normalize) THEN try the lock to lock test.

BTW-setting front end alignment on an E while on stands can be done well enough to get it close enough to drive to a proper alignment station, but only if using a setting link to replicate the actual ride height of the car.

[phoenix]

Will do soon . Thanks all