TABC Tompkins Steering Kit - Product Safety Alert

[Doug Pelton]

Greetings to all,

 

Recently FTFU discovered a problem with the current Tomkins kit that may actually decrease steering quality instead of improving.

 

Background:  There has been an evolution of the Tomkins setup through the years with the early variety using a tapered roller bearing and thrust washer setup.  At some point in the past years the tapered roller bearing was replaced with the flat Torrington type needle bearing.  The newly selected size of the thrust washer and needle bearing set can in some cases be too large resulting in the thrust washer hanging up on the edge of the steering box.  This means the Tomkins adjust screw cannot fully adjust to give you’re a solid steering experience.  Result:  excess play in the steering wheel and road wandering.

 

Video:  to more fully explain and demonstrate the problem, I have added a video on the subject to our YOU TUBE Channel.  Please take a moment to review.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeHmISiaXGCQTaA24hF46XQ

 

Special Note:  The purpose of this is not to debate Bishop vs VW or others.  It is to alert those who have an existing Tomkins setup and are unhappy with the quality of their steering.  It is not guaranteed that this is a problem with all setups.  The variance of the casting of the steering box is the primary factor.

 

TEST:  The simple test to determine if you should investigate further is to:

In static position, do you have excess play in steering wheel.  If yes,Jack up front end and turn the Tomkins adjust screw fully down.  (loosen lock nut first)If the steering wheel can be turned with minimal effort then the adjust screw is probably hanging up on the edge of the box.  Remove Tomkins cover and inspect per the video.  Replace internals if needed.  

Solution:  If you find you have this problem, suggest you contact the supplier of your kit.  This problem pertains only to the current version of Tomkins Kit being sold in both the US and UK.  In the interim, FTFU has developed a kit to help solve the problem.  It is item # ST229 (new adjust screw, needle bearing, and 2 thrust washers).  It is simply a remove and replace event, takes about 15 minutes. If needed contact FTFU off list.

 

We would like to hear from those that may find this to be a problem so we can capture data relating to how extensive the problem may be.

 

Safe driving to all,

 

[b][i]Doug Pelton,[/i][/b] Proprietor

From The Frame Up

480-588-8185

For Fastest Service:  order@fromtheframeup.com

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