Front Axle

A black and white drawing of a suspension system with measurements.
From AST Sketch 283 I 23.3.59
A black and white drawing of a metal object with numbers on it
From Series I& Series II Parts Books -Tav49

Part #2 is the axle (assale), #3 is the suspension tube (asta) & #11 is the locating pin (grano)

Notes on Front Axle

  1. All Aurelia cars had a beam front axle of the same overall dimensions as shown above. The axle is fixed to the car on each side by 4 large bolts locating a rectangular flange onto the boxed beam running each side of the engine compartment.
  2. Analysis of the Parts books shows the following:
  3. All cars in the Series I plus the B12 & B20~B24 4th series have axle B10-0601R / 1600389 – see #2 (Axle - B10-73001 / 2127460) & #3 (Tube – B10-73051 / 2127466) in Tav. 49 above.
  4. In other words the axle beam & bare suspension tube are the same. The suspension components differ between the various models.
  5. All B20~B24 5th&6th series cars have axle B20-0601R / 1600196 which consists of a new beam 2131015 but the same tube 2127466. The section of the beam was changed to increase stiffness to match the increased weight of the cars & the larger brakes.
  6. Many owners of earlier B20 cars have attempted to solve brake judder problems by changing to these later axles. The advised solution is to overhaul the brakes properly. In addition the tolerance for the 8 axle locating bolts is very tight & obtaining a good fit for a non-original axle is problematical. The axle was probably fitted individually to each car as they are numbered & noted in the car’s data at the factory.
  7. The track of the front wheels on all Aurelias is 1280 mm, except on B50, B51, B52, B53 & B15 cars where it is 1300 mm.
  8. The stub at either end for holding the steering & suspension did vary slightly in detail between models
  9. Sketch 1059: See diagram below. Please note following conditions for measurement & adjustment:
  10. Caster: Should be measured with car under static load: Minus 1 degree
  11. Toe-in: See Steering Arm, Track Rod & Toe-in

Caster, Camber & King-pin Inclination for Aurelias

A diagram of a negative and positive caster
From AST Sketch 1059 I 18.2.59