A Night With Fulcrum Suspension
9 September 1996
An enthusiastic band of Club Members gathered at Fulcrum's main complex at Moorooka in September. We were met by Graham Scudamore-Smith the Managing Director and Phil the workshop foreman.
Graham began the night by explaining the many sections of the Fulcrum business. The Moorooka complex is divided into 3 sections, the workshop, where suspension repairs and wheel alignment and balances are carried out, the power steering repair and reconditioning section and the final section, the development and manufacturing centre where they make Polyurethane bushes called 'super pro' that are exported world wide.
Fulcrum has been in business for 21 years, operating from Evesham Street since day one, but now in new buildings. There is another branch on the northside at Nundah, plus branches in Townsville and Cairns and authorised agents called Key Dealers Australia wide.
In Graham's talk he covered many general topics such as under and over steer, bump steer, and many aspects which make a car ride and drive well. He said he doesn't have a problem with Subaru's being fitted with lift kits, as long as all the blocks are equal. He also said that 60% of a cars suspension system is carried out by the stiffness of the cars body.
After the talk we were then split into 2 groups, Graham spoke to 1 group about the 4 wheel alignment machine, where Cameron's green L88 "The Shrub" was wheeled up for an alignment. It is a computer controlled machine, with a display screen and printer. The out come 'The Shrubs" not tracking straight - wonder why?
By studying the settings on the screen Graham described what needed to be fixed. Also most new front drive cars today, Subarus included have passive rear suspension, that is when a car makes a turn the transfer in body weight causes the rear suspension to turn slightly into the corner, hence the need for the 4 wheel alignment machine.
Phil had the other group at the ball joint tie rod and bush testing machine. This machine is made in Holland, the car is driven up on ramps to hydraulically controlled plates that move forward and side ways to simulate braking and cornering. The operator has a remote control to work the machine, while he watches for movement. Also the rear suspension can be checked on this machine.
After time the air bags can perish and leak, they are expensive to replace, so Fulcrum cut away all the air bag equipment from the strut leg, and replace it with a new spring and height adjustable threaded seat, at a fraction of the cost of a new air bag strut.
They manufacture Polyurethane bushes for Liberty and L Series sway bars and swinging arms. Steering racks are repaired and reconditioned, the original grease Subaru use, works its way off the cogs with use, which leads to the rack becoming dry. Fulcrum suggest regreasing with a special Castrol Steering rack grease. Also L Series rear swing arms can bend with use carrying heavy loads over rough roads, the rear wheels gain negative camber, they lean in at the top. Fulcrum can have them straightened and plated for extra strength.
The night finished off with tea and coffee, overall it was a very interesting and informative night.
A big thank you to the Fulcrum team of Graham and Phil.
David Martin SC180