Precision in adjustment

Vertical wheel inclination, camber values of 4 wheels were measured and adjusted in BC7 SUBARU Legacy LSi US model utilizing DIY measuring device with 1719,750mm radius pendulum construction, that had been calibrated already yesterday. As intended I some breaking running wear on tire tread surfaces, horizontal inclination values adjustment was postponed till today also with DIY modified LASER pointer equipped level gauge, rear total toe and it's direction, thrust and frontal toe-in promptly. Now, she goes relatively straight with no strange habit, but big change on vertical direction on wheels must have invited also the change of inclinations in horizontal direction.
Very slight as it is, there exists some discrepancy in the horizontal alignment. Probably, much more comfortable and astringent steering reaction would be obtained after the adjustment, especially thrust angle.
Still now she has some chronic disease in Multi Plate Transfer that exists in the most posterior portion of 4WD trans-axle, in spite of the replacement of 5 transfer clutch plates previously. Though SUBARU engineer propose to run 8 letter shape driving for breaking-in purpose is effective to remove the feeling of caught, it takes time to do that? In the worst case, all the rear driving system construction would be removed thoroughly and used as 2WD automobile in combination with 70kg weight reduction, in addition, ABS unit, air conditioning compressor, condenser, evaporator for that would eliminate the weight to 110kg, in case of such kind of modification were performed, BC7 would born again as a different automobile from now.

Gradual distortion

Newly applied rubber parts in BC7 SUBARU Legacy LSi US model caused unignorable discrepancy in her wheel alignment especially in camber value on both side, probably deformable strut upper mount might be a reason. The error caused by rubber part strain plastic deformation after initial running would be corrected this afternoon utilizing a calibrated vertical inclination measuring device. In any sense, all the obstacles should be eliminated before following a path with adequate preparations, however much failures might block my future way. There is a way of progress in the process of making desperate efforts, so, the result after that has no more meaning for me, because, experiences in the process is more worthy than achieving.

Having some specific feelings on the thing might be a disease as someone said before, trying not to have feeling also might be so, because we would lead a peaceful lives if do not have any inconvenience to be corrected. Found errors or discrepancy are nothing but objects feeling bad for me, and create the way by myself if there is no way to do that, then, which way shall I go in helping to live rest of my life?      

French this time?

I happened to meet with a lady in KOBE who evoked the seven-year itch being over 10 years elder than 42 years old air-cooled VW 1302 Super Beetle 11AD, not German but French dignified countess inspiring my long sleeping sensibility. Unforgettable figure from her are burned in mind and on my back of eyelid, how come? Her name is Panhard. Before that, I'm surprised to know that I have still a capability to have been moved much like the opportunity this time by an external stimulation. Still now I'm a available person, but it must be some overestimation for a geriatric. I hope I would not see her again somewhere else, otherwise I might take off the whimsy by being defeated by her extraordinary fascination?

Fascination!

I just come back home from KOBE to have a Legal inspection test for SXE10 TOYOTA Altezza, only 23,000km use for 9 years had no reason to be eliminated in checking line, of course, Traction Control System was killed when speedometer compatibility at 40km/h, otherwise I should have fallen into panic condition at speedometer checking step. ECU understands as if the car is loosing grips on some tire tread surface. Anyway this Altezza would be continued more 2 years interval from now. By the way, I happen to see a fascinating French lady there, the name was consulted in Web site and revealed to be Panhard L17 produced in 1964. I feel gone up into her sophisticated charm and all of her burned my rutina strongly, how come? I hope any new stories would not begin in future, though air-cooled VW Super Beetle could be restored relatively easily taking time half a year under the condition of ample parts supply, her parts would be difficult to obtain even if I would exert myself utmost for asking indispensable part to keep her in healthy condition. No effort is necessary to imagine myself to be at a loss in serious condition, no matter where it would be, on the deep mountain road or in my garage. I'm afraid that some whisper of the devil to introduce her to me and kick me down into hell. The fact that I come across with her at KOBE today, is wrong, not me.

The axle adjustments accomplishing "Zero Thrust" have been done on BC7, SXE10 and 11AD already, only XH200 OPEL requires more precise adjustment, so my works on vehicles I'm keeping now would finish soon, some acceptable circumstance is prepared for her, how come? 

Also, asked I about Remodeling application there at KOBE Land Transport Office, as I mentioned before, BC7 SUBARU Legacy LSi US model has some modification in brake pipe line connections. ABS module is bypassed because of oil leak there. As a conclusion, it is not always necessary for BC7 under the condition that all the brake system are activated and braking power on every wheel should be enough to pass the decided value.
In case, another remodeling way it is necessary, removing all the rear driving system, rear transfer clutch and covering rear part of trans-axle, propeller shaft, differential gear box, rear drive shaft on both side and covering hub joint holes resulting 70kg body weight reduction. Because feel I far better when driven 2WD driving condition than 4WD, this remodeling should be performed in near future to enjoy a same car as an another driving train one .

It's a matter for regret to have write down here like this, worst news I have, one of my relative went away the day before yesterday, an uncle of my wife, a funeral ceremony would be performed this evening at KYOTO, we are going to participate in that from now.

Steam locomotive D51

1,000mm scale Steam locomotive D51 model came to me yesterday, so also 1,000mm scale model UK Sailing battleship Cutty Sark was obliged to move onto ceiling place. The owner of model D51 had gone away on the beginning of this year because of age, he had been specialized in State-owned railway technology development and design department and after that his wife proposed me to keep it for the sake of long lasting friendship. Not only that, as they did not have an opportunity to have a next generation and she is afraid that the keepsake product of her husband that is indispensable for her might be thrown away without deep consideration by their relatives. Consequently, she might have made decision like this time to give it to me, to an enthusiastic person in the field(just a stupid and strange person?). A new commer Model D51 exhibited in my working place would be enjoyed much by many visitors from now. I will keep this relic long taking over their wishes.     

Calibration

Any scaling devices should be periodically calibrated in precise manner in order to keep the reliability of the datum obtained and this perception is one of a common sense in industrial fields. So, I have performed it on a camber measuring instrument with pendulum construction reading 2 minutes on 1 mm movement on the index portion adapting 1719,75mm radius construction is designed. As it is made of wood, distortion should be corrected by moving core point at adequate position. Same as rifle gun sight correction, it is precisely adjusted to duplicate 3 point on the straight line for collection. In the rainy season like now, this is very important work before starting measuring works. Any bubble enclosed convexed glass tube device for scaling vertical wheel inclination do not exceed my DIY device in precise accuracy. As primitive and childish construction as mine is, it can read 2 minutes inclination as 1mm movement on the index?

Took me 23 years

To tell the truth it took me 23 years long period of time to establish "Zero Thrust" condition in BC7 SUBARU Legacy LSi US model, but I don't shame myself at all, instead I want to prize myself that I didn't throw away this difficult work on the way for long period of time. As an outsider I am, ignorance how to do that, where should be pointed and anchored as a terminal scaling position, little understanding on physical property of rubber materials applied everywhere to accomplish compliance with mischievous character of hysteresis, viscoelasticity and displacability. But, I did after all and I feel relieved so much now. It due to the change of the circumstances into good and larger place, proceedings of understandings by myself and some improvement of my skill for scaling and adjusting. I call back some Japanese proverb, "You can do anything, you cannot do because you don't do that!".
Remembering the passed, the first generation SUBARU Legacy model has some tendency to be suffered from straight running stability the lack frontal caster angle value, and this is a innate bad habit to be overcome for later models. Anyway, I did that on BC7 Legacy, but it was not an easy task to establish "Zero Thrust". In addition, as a private opinion, extraordinary 4 wheel driving made it difficult that is not always necessary driving mechanism for ordinary drivers if we don't have any situation to drive in a severe condition such as snowy climate, muddy hill climb road condition or on the highway in heavy rain fall like cats and dogs at high speed. I prefer a 2WD automobile to 4WD if asked. 

BC7 Steering centric stability

As I mentioned yesterday, very small discrepancy on Thrust Angle in BC7 SUBARU Legacy LSi US model was adjusted into Zero Thrust condition, that correction was to the point! Wondering phenomena at the moment of starting and stopping at a signal certainly disappeared and the feeling of centricity in my sixth sense and my car duplicates together with. As a matter of fact, even a very slight discrepancy on Thrust Angle does affect on the steering response and spoils good riding taste.

Front
Camber    - 30 min
Caster      180 min
Toe-in    1,000 mm(tire)

Rear
Camber    - 60 min
Toe-in    1,120 mm(tire)
Thrust    0,000 min

Above mentioned wheel alignment datum does not show any strange phenomena, but actually feel I some lack of frontal caster angle, as fulfilled fuel tank condition still shows the lack of steering stability, more 60-90 minutes in addition of caster angle should far improve the stability while straight running phase.
Bear in mind that the centric stability and straightness in  running condition are different matters each other here. This might be why very few first generation SUBARU Legacy are still now alive 23 years later from the production. In addition, 4 wheel driving system itself might be a reason for loosening the stability, my Legacy has some special wiring to earth the rear transfer clutch activation solenoid, so it can go in the both driving condition frontal driving only and 4 WD by switching the solenoid valve while driving at any time I want, far stable condition is obtained while 2 driving condition? This opinion is just dictated after the establishment of some critical wheel alignment and axle constructive geometry.
As I am keeping E-BLE Legacy 3L model also, the 3 dimensional layout of moving parts in knuckle designing must be checked, because there must be any re-designing or change, knuckle ball joint center, steering tie rod end center and antero-posterior positioning of knuckle it self. SAI value must be different from first generation's one.

Excellent Minolta MD Zoom lenses

Thanks to removing 0,500 mm thickness adjusting sim, infinity focusing antero-posterior lens element position way certainly obtained on Minolta MD Zoom 35-135, that had been inserted in production line to establish the fixed standard flange back distance value at 43,500 mm(for all Minolta SLR cameras). The fact that any Minolta SLR inter changeable lenses would be positioned 0,5mm anteriorly if set on Canon EOS body is the worst reason to be utilized on this idea. Because the latest Minolta lenses should be positioned on EOS mount 0,5mm backward if an infinity focusing is desired. This is why most of the excellent performance Minolta SLR lenses are thrown away by old good users while once prosperous silver salt film period. Consequently, finding out the adjusting sim between a lens element and flange construction is nothing but a good information to me, just removing the adjuster sim could be compensated the critical discrepancy at 0,5mm posterior moving for Canon EOS with 44,000mm flange back distance Digital body.
Now , no complicated optical element with disassembling a part nor repositioning of the infinity stopper are required for adaptation, I feel happiness! This latest model, Minolta MD Zoom 35-135 also commands a scenery as a beautiful transparency without leaking in my publicity. Resolution, color balance, sharpness and contrast, I cannot find a word to complain at all, no inferiority is observed compared with single focal length lenses. Hearing some backbiting, how do I do with many similar lenses, I'm now in addicted condition with Minolta latest SLR Zoom lenses, not a few of them has been modified to adopt onto Canon EOS Digital body except 28-85, 24-50 nor 21-35.
As an another story, Minolta elder brother MD Zoom lens 75-200 is waiting for my modification on the bayonet flange adopting onto Canon EOS Digital body that had been obtained from YaHoo auction at a cheapest price. This latest generation Zoom lens must exert some ultimate performance similar with others I'm keeping. Relatively heavy weight as it has, the flange material would be invited the engineering plastic from a EOS body cap as usual.

Aiming-in the discrepancy

The renewal of rubber materials in BC7 SUBARU Legacy LSi has produced minus 0,382 minutes thrust angle discrepancy after some break-in running. This value is recognized well by means of tire surface see through method, so, it is not the fact to be ignored at all however small the number might be.
It goes without writing that rubber materials are some tricky stuff to be controlled well those are invited in a vehicle aiming in establishing compliance for extraneous mechanical signals while dynamic movement. So, an initial adjustment of wheel alignment and axle constructive geometry is not always a perfect nor hard to move result at all, but movable and being tracked down to the minimum numbers narrowing the tolerance. This afternoon would be spent for this work and as a precision work, Minolta MD Zoom lens 35-135 modification adopting onto Canon EOS Digital body.

SXE10 Altezza prepared

Periodical inspection legal test every two years interval for SXE10 TOYOTA Altezza has been reserved on next Thursday at KOBE Land Transport Office already, so the preparation for the affair was performed yesterday. Operations of lump tubes, Warning flare, window washer liquid and filling in filings. Car lead battery additional charging was also done, 12,4 V meaning around 40% capacitance reserved. As a residual work, unstable centric steering position was corrected by establishing Zero thrust condition as a result, plus 1,120 minutes thrust angle discrepancy was corrected, though the inspection test items do not contain Thrust Angle in Japan like European Automobile Safety Standard. It goes without writing that very comfortable and astringent driving taste was obtained after the thrust adjustment. Now, Altezza is in war readiness perfect.

My left hand thumb tip was hurt by sharp saw blade by my mistaking while preparing Canon bayonet part  modifying EOS body cap made of engineering plastic material. Soon after the accident within one minute, the measure was performed utilizing Tetracycline Antibiotics vaseline paste and alpha-cyano acrylate for adhesion of epithelium. Immediate and adequate measure did not cause any inflammation by bacterial infection phenomena. Prevention of mechanical irritation and bacterial infection ASAP are the best way to measure the damage on soft tissues.  

Newcomer MD 35-135

Without learning by experiences in YaHoo Auction won I the bid of Minolta MD Zoom 35-135 the other day, frosted rear lens element on the most posterior part inside made the price like nothing at 111 yen at all. Indicating numbers and letters are translucent and clean, this lens was not used but kept on someone's shelf.  As a matter of fact, my looking-ahead was to the point, just a piece of lens element cleaning could re-acquired original physical performance though too tight and rust stopper ring required some case heating method with a sharp flame alcohol torch. Because 0,30 mm stepped surface was formed from the beginning on flange outer circle, no further infinity lens-back adjustment is necessary, excessive lens back with 0,5 mm would be compensated at half and residual 0,2 mm would be eliminated like nothing by iris closure one or two steps, basically the infinity position would be used by me very unlikely in my shooting situations. So, I would not proceed to a complicated and boring internal adjustment by disassembling to adopt onto Canon Eos mount flange back, 44,00mm from Minolta 43,50mm.
Anyway, this new comer Minolta Zoom Lens 35-135 would get along well with indigenous lenses in my storage box. 

Press machine repaired

Destroyed oil pressure press machine was repaired fairly by replacing base plate into a newly manufactured part. This part was made of aluminum alloy material and excessive pressure exerted blindly and violently when used for replacing rear main bar bushes in BC7 SUBARU Legacy LSi US model. This US HANAU made miniature press machine was designed only for precision use on heating-cured acrylic resin mold flask jointing operation, not designed for heavy work like above I did. The fracture of the base place is no one's business but mine. The destruction of fundamental part, base plate means the end of life of this lovely mini press machine?
Thanks to a kind friendship of one of my client, the part was replaced and it could have survived again with much strengthened power, with the same shape thickness but made of steel material, he said that the part was processed by a sophisticated machinery, LASER cutting machine. I hope I could visit his working place and see an actual performance of his machinery.
Anyway, I am going to continue this miniature machine with best cares.  

Parking brake system in B-Vectra

Parking brake was serviced in XH200 OPEL B-Vectra last night before coming home taking 2 hours, that had not been done anything from the beginning for 16 years. Some feeling caught even after parking brake lever was released at terminal position and strange squeal sound obliged me to disassemble parking system boarded in rear brake disks inside. Because the rear brake caliper should be removed by loosening difficult 2 bolts to open the parking break system, it took me so long period of time. The noise and inconvenience in the mechanism disappeared after all the lubrication on all the moving and oscillating parts around brake shoes and wired linkages. As for the hinter brake pads after 150,000km use, 4 of 3 pads had 3mm residual thickness, but left outer side pad had only 1mm remaining, of course all the pads should be replaced into new ones, all the caliper pistons should be checked paying attentions on the moving surfaces, chronic sludge or vanish adhesion. Anyway, the time is come to overhaul all the brake system including a tandem brake master cylinder inside.
Brake shoe inboard type parking system has exactly the same construction as dram brake construction, same as my VW Super Beetle's and the right and left activation balance is obtained with manual adjustment in the condition of removing a tire wheel through hub flange from a specially positioned hole, so hub and brake disk have only one adaptable angular position being tightened with a small countersunk screw. 

Car maintenances

 
Axle constructive element, shock absorber & suspension spring, has fabricated for E-BLE SUBARU B4 3L model yesterday, as my son wants to return this precious car because he has bored after defeating tinker. Probably, the reason why BLE keeps away him is some continuous odd smell of specific tanning leather from the beginning.
By the way, BC7 Legacy had some leather smell also similar but different one, so, replaced frontal seats into SUBARU genuine parts for BL model made of fabric cloth.

XH200 OPEL B-Vectra has a chronic disease of leakage with dark current, 2 weeks leaving without driving causes voltage drop at 12,4V meaning the capacitance should be less than 40%. Additional device, clock and GPS might be the reason for the problem, back-up and stand-by current? Shall I  remove all the additives? It needs additional charging externally in every month. As I mentioned before, a car battery has much to do with the motor combustion performance, the play is not always only for the starter motor activation.

More than 2 months absence of 11D VW Super Beetle almost disappears from my memory these days, but, some old memorial parts were found in my junk box, though old style fuse modules as they were, beautiful my good days come out from them. As I mentioned before, I was once a user of a yellow colored air-cooled VW Beetle 1200 cc model just 40 years ago. These parts would be used also as replacement parts in my 1302 Super Beetle now. I make it a rule not to use the same car as I have ever been experience, air-cooled Beetle is one of my exception.

BC7 completed fairly

BC7 SUBARU Legacy LSi US model was settled in peace after the wheel alignment adjustment utilizing a LASER equipped scale, total toe for front is 1mm inside and 0,8mm inside for hinter. As for rear total toe direction so to speak thrust angle, it is adjusted well as to almost satisfy myself, very close to zero thrust. The spring free length differs for GC8 GDB and BC5 RS each other, 35mm lower than latter. I have realized that some spring traveling distance is indispensable to obtain some comfort ride. The factory designed balance has been well assessed on genuine GDB suspension spring and shock absorber, but, I prefer the designing for BC5 RS model to GDB if the rolling amount might be increased. In order to consume and to absorb the vibration and noise enough, as suspension stroke plays a considerable compliance mechanism part, suitable stroke and adequate balance between spring rate and shock absorber performance designing are the key to obtain the good taste of ride. The factory designing engineers must have been making effort on these propositions after conducting much experimental studies actually, not by a whim temporary. This is why I never introduce on my car another third party manufactured suspension parts but original and genuine parts and with factory decided combinations. Not sporty nor luxury but standard and lasting long are my favorite one. Making an error of constructive tolerance while manufacturing as less as possible by myself and replacing some periodical replacing parts following servicing manual so strictly as not to change any parts numbers would be the best way to keep a car at least 30 to 40 years. Replacing cars into a newer model is just nothing but wasting money.

Shoddy method

The wheel alignment datum on BC7 SUBARU Legacy LSi were captured based on my own prejudice and dogma especially on the negative camber values in every wheel, 30 minutes for frontal alignment and 60 minutes for hinter one. It would be used only for break-in period of time and further precise adjustment would be performed in mind the most preferable alignment condition. Though some shoddy method of frontal and rear tire surface see through way was invited last night, straightness and steering centric lump feeling are firmly established surprisingly, such a shoddy way might be available on earth or it's better than the conventional way that I have been performing utilizing some special tools, a pendulum device with 1719,75mm radius(for vertical inclination) and a level equipped with LASER pointer(for horizontal inclination). Rough and stupid way like that is possible on earth?, in a Scientific field?, by only eye?, I don't recommend this sloppy ambiguity on the final stage of a most important wheel alignment here.

Contemplation

All the constructive element had completed yesterday on BC7 SUBARU Legacy LSi US model replacing into original condition except suspension springs and shock absorbers, resulting in far better ride. I realized again that the conflicting balance of adequate compliance and stability, the range of flexibility of suspension stroke are the most important requirement for a passenger's car.
Now, I have rushed into the next stage of wheel alignment being at a loss how to apply camber value for every wheel. Lack of frontal caster angle value should be compensated by applying more frontal negative camber in hope of straight stability supported by camber thrust toe-in effect.
For example, SXE10 TOYOTA Altezza has 48min/F and 55min/R, XH200 OPEL B-Vectra does 60/F and 90/R, E-BLE SUBARU B4 does 20/F and 45/R and BC7 is suggested at 15/F and 40/R. Though the steering action is heavier a bit, my favorite is B-Vectra's setting. Deeper consideration is necessary on this proposition.

Frontal suspension BC7

As I dare want to insist on the method of screw special tool in replacing bush, prepared I 1/2 inch bolt and nuts this morning, so residual frontal transverse link front bush would be performed with this tool from now, rear axle had completed last night fairly. Now, starting from replacement of a pair of frontal strut construction. As a matter of fact, all the bushes in BC7 SUBARU Legacy LSi US model would be returned as they had been at first 22 years ago, except suspension coil springs and shock absorbers, BD5 RS springs and GC8 GDB shock absorbers were the final selection.

Error in past assembling

Though I had reassembled frontal strut and suspension coil spring for BC7 SUBARU Legacy LSi US model following the original construction on the spring upper support angular position, careful checking revealed that the US SUBARU factory constructed condition were not always correct. Removing dusts on upper surface of the support showed different position, so I determined to disassemble them again to set in correct designing position following "OUT" engraved marking, causing 90 degree difference. The error found on the upper spring support angular setting is not so critical as to affect on the function if the construct does not hit on wheel house surface, I dare want to correct any error as much as possible.

Working till late at night

KAYABA Scissors Jack was repaired fairly with strengthened valve modification, so, some heavy muscle work from under side had much progressed in good circumstance. All the rear axle parts of BC7 SUBARU Legacy LSi US model had been reassembled last night, except exhaust muffler pipe hanging rubber leaving a pile of trash with removed parts. But, all the bolts and nuts are half tightening condition, because they should be tightened at adequate torque in the condition of 1 gravity. About the frontal axle, transverse link frontal bushes on both side would be replaced into original softer ones soon, a pair of suspension coil spring compressor would be utilized with special tool that I prepared by myself. The compliance cracking position of the bushes should be set at decided angle following to the service manual, the extension line must pass through the point of knuckle ball center.
A forecast of riding of this BC7 would be far better than before, with replacing all the axle arm bushes into STI for racing purpose and GC8 Impreza GDB model's shock absorbers and coil springs leading to 35mm lowered body height. Consequently, my BC7 Legacy would born again as a completely different automobile soon surviving like a phoenix after 22 years of it's production. I'm looking forward to see the result expectantly with fantastic surprises so much. 

Stiffener

One way valve in KAYABA scissors Jack does not keep good oil pressure again, passing through in a copper washer was the reason finding out distortion of thickness also. Then I come to the conclusion that the strength of a most important parts is not enough to support heavy vehicle weight leading to dysfunction. Human body is not designed to endure the heavy weight of 500kg nor we have not been making progress to survive in such a severe condition, surely falls into fatal under the car in case of accident. We should not rely on this small piece of tiny copper washer
I have counter-measured to stiffen this part with steel washer and brass washer for actual valve function. I have realized again that oil pressure jack is far from safety nor reliable, this device does not match with continuous use and should be used at the moment only for lifting up and some rigid supporting piece should be replaced ASAP. This law should be kept in mind to have ultimate safety whenever lifting up and working under the car.

Hard worker today

I was a hard worker today on BC7 SUBARU Legacy LSi US model. I did too much to work on my own business as usual, because all the arm and back muscles aches. Rear main bar disassembling, replacing it's bushes using oil pressure machine holding the heavy weight alone, replacing rear hub bearing inner bushes, just I'm exhausted away now.

I'm trying on BC7

Provisionally assembled I the rear axle of BC7 SUBARU Legacy LSi US model last night, residual genuine parts are waited and they would come to Yao SUBARU dealer this afternoon. The most waited ones are rear main bar bush and differential gear box rear support, but for these parts, I cannot proceed to next step.
As the diameter happens to match on frontal coil spring, the part of rear coil spring rubber seat would be also applied for frontal axle for rising up compliance capability. Though I do not have some convenient machinery and equipment such as Lifting system, I would compensate the lack by my own mental strength finding physical fitness a bit.

Not so easy task as imagined

Rear trailing trailing arm bushes were replaced into movable original ones from STI harder parts. As we know, this compliance bush design play a great part of the performance of good ride, rigid stability and movable compliance capability are the things to the contrary, so, factory designing engineers make efforts on this proposition to role out new model, of course, repeating experimental trials had been done utilizing sophisticated measuring equipments prepared for the purposes based on their own know-how and background nourished by themselves for long term experiences. It goes without writing here that any changing by the users into different parts on a whim by layman would not bring good result, because any change of original design would destroy the balance of ultimate by the specialists.

Replacing frontal tires on OPEL B-Vectra caused some change in steering centric position while straight running, revealing that tire uneven wear that is inevitable for ordinary use could affect on wheel alignment not a little actually. So, some tire position changing might be one of a choice to correct steering habit. Paying attentions on this fact, wheel alignment correction must be performed. Anyway, rubber materials applied everywhere in a car are the substances that can not be overcome so easily. The stronger enemy is the more interesting to be attacked.

Hard work continues

A complicated story let me into negotiation with the special engineer who has ever took part in the competition,WRC, we decided to choose the suspension coil spring set for BD RS model in combination with GC8 GDB shock absorbers. Now all the rear axle bushes have been replaced into more movable original ones. The problem I have now is the rear differential gear box supporting bushes, as a matter for reglet, different smaller size came. He promised me to solve it by coming Saturday.
Frontal strut and coil spring have been assembled for replacing in combination with GC8 GDB shock absorbers, BD5 RS coil springs and new genuine strut upper mounts. Hitting and rusting portion was eliminated by grinding.  Hub bearing inner oil seals came in addition.
Also, differential gear box side oil seal rubber parts with O shape ring for in side arrived but only one side, residual parts for opposite side would come on Saturday.
Remembering last week, relatively peaceful days have been passing till finding out a critical dysfunction on rear drive shaft boots breakage. Big event started at that time involving all the total replacement on BC7 SUBARU Legacy.  

Pondering

Deeper consideration about the replacement procedure of shock absorbers and suspension coil spring from genuine Impreza GC8 GDB to original BC7 Legacy LSi US model, led me the conclusion that the work would not be done at all except that of rear arms bushes returning to the original condition. Careful checking about the coil spring constants at every portion revealed that no big difference would not be desired if that hard muscle works would be performed, because no apparent difference exists on the spring constants between BC5 RS and GC8 WRX GDB just with the change of spring height, 30 mm higher setting would appear after the procedure but with almost the same condition now.
Though all the necessary parts have been ordered already, replacement of shock absorber and coil spring assembly would not be proceeded this time, replacement of bushes in rear axle would consume and receive the shock from the ground as a horizontal directional vector. Let's see what would happen and the assembly replacement would be postponed as a next attempt. Additionally, I'm keeping a set of weaker coil spring for GC3 and BC5 GT, they would be candidates of next attempt in combination with GDB shock absorbers.

BC7 coil springs

Disassembled frontal suspension coil spring showed color definition codes with different painting after removing under coating material layer. Left side had yellow and blue and white and orange colored promptly. Consulting on service manual, the former was for RS model and latter was for Ti, how come? Different coil spring strengthened ones were set on both side?  This kind of must have been invited based on the concept of the actual use, driver side stronger coil spring to keep the car attitude flat without leaning to the left(driver's steering side). Discussing about this phenomena, different strength coil spring setting had been done since over 40 years ago, in addition, US drivers are not always thin men?
Consequently, stronger coil spring with yellow and blue painting colored would be set on the left side.
On the other hand, rear coil spring color with white and orange revealed that they were for stronger RS model. Hitting part shown on the surfaces with rust would be eliminated by grinding avoiding rub sounds.
Original setting of coil spring property would be appreciated by admiring the technology of factory research and developing engineer's concept done over 20 years ago, if my own desires come out in my mind. 

Producer's original design

As mentioned before the constructive designing of the axle arm bush brings much difference in the taste of ride of the vehicles. I have ever performed some experiment on this effects utilizing NCP10 TOYOTA Yaris tens years ago that had torsion beam axle for the rear suspension design, the hinge arm bushes were filled with butil rubber material to prevent excessive horizontal movement of rear axle actions. As a matter of fact, the ride was worsened much with some sense of push-up unreasonably. Physical performance there had been well considered and set in the best designing by the producer's engineers as a TOYOTA world strategic products.
As for BC7 SUBARU Legacy LSi US model, I took mistakes the cause of the phenomena had been brought only by the suspension and axle designing for US use, to soft with too much compliance like some long used car. This is the reason for my stupid decision at that time to have replaced all the axle constructive bushes into STI(Subaru Technica International) produced especially for WRC competition models. Hardened and strengthened bushes brought some tight and unmovable body shakes, but pushing up has been increased in turn. Hardness, softness, astringency and actual taste of ride had been decided by the producer's factory engineers in the research and developing division after some desperate efforts of experiments with special devices on the way of new model development.
So, my BC7 would be set in original condition as it had been constructed in US, except with 30% stronger dumpers for GC8 WRX Impreza model. As a matter of fact, a breakage of rear left drive shaft inner boot could be good trigger to make a step into a big axle operation this time.
As a conclusion today, No Layman can change the original setting of axle suspension designing in any way, even a small piece of bush if well balanced setting original condition is not to be destroyed by a whim in a moment. The big effort done by the factory engineers previously should be appreciated and admired. Outsiders have no room to cut in to modify the great works except in the manufacturing tolerance of the construction.