Posted by Cees Willig from Abroad on June 20, 1999 at 14:26:34:

In Reply to: Re: Re: Also posted by John B. on June 19, 1999 at 23:01:15:

In addition to when all things have been checked as mentioned in other reply message following may be interesting (see also TD5 spare wheel on bonnet comment). We have a 110 County Stationwagon, first series LHD, 1983.
First year we drove without spare on bonnet, in Holland near the Sea windforce 7, 8 and sometimes more is common in autumn, in combination
with houses & farms this means steering corrections.
However, after first year we fitted additional spare wheel on the bonnet (originally for the longer trips). Effect is that sensitivity for side wind - gusts is greatly reduced, even to the point that when the steering house play becomes too much, it will still run stable.
Proposed mechanism of this behaviour:

1. Spare wheel acts as drag, hence whole body receives about same side drag. Without spare: rear part acts as feather on arrow and the 110 tries to put its nose into the wind.

2. Spare wheel weights about 32 kg (Wrangler AT Goodyear) to 40 kg (Michelin XZY both 7.50R16), front springs deflect slightly more resulting in a longer distance of tire touch point to intersect with swivel pin line, this works more stabilising (not at high pulling force, this is then more noticeable in steering force).

Succes + Kindest Regards
Cees Willig
PS: we apply SAE 90EP/ 90HD transmission oil to lubricate the first ball steering joint at the Pitman arm of the steering housing: water will float and is easily removable + greatly increased service lifetime.

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