nash healey 1953 bump steer issue very sloppy steering

[dwls]

have a clients newly acquired "restored" Nash Healey, looks beautiful drives horrible; checked out on lift no noticable issues except that once off ground where suspension is in full droop the right tire toes in by inches! left is still straight ahead, the spring baskets appear intact, anyone with knowledge please!  thank you

[TerryB]

Sure sounds like a bad king pin symptom.  I’m not a Nash Healey expert as you requested, just offering a “might be “ opinion.

[Rusty_OToole]

Nash Healey used a unique trailing arm coil spring suspension made by Healey and shared only  with other Healey models like the Silverstone and some closed models. If you need parts or information a Healey club or specialist in England may be able to help, or info may be found in early fifties Nash repair manuals and parts manuals.

 

I would inspect for worn parts or loose parts, not overlooking the steering box bolts. Renew worn parts and align to factory specs.

[Gunsmoke]

I picked this image off Google, does it match your car's setup? Unusual suspension with upper and lower front trailing arms supporting the steering spindles, and a tie-rod keeping front wheels parallel. Don't see how one wheel could toe-in several inches with a tie-rod keeping them parallel. Did you mean cambering in, i.e. tilting inward on bottom??

Edited July 12, 2023 by Gunsmoke (see edit history)

[Rusty_OToole]

Trailing arm suspension like a VW beetle but with coil springs. Inspired by a prewar Alfa Romeo race car, it was meant to keep the front wheels vertical thru the suspension travel. If the wheel leans in it suggests something is worn out.