Crack kills
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,500
Likes: 0
From: N.Y
Steering Bracket
I changed the drivers side steering bracket yesterday along with upper u-joint that I received free of charge from Speed direct. When I removed the bracket this is what I found good thing I swapped it out what do you think?
let me know if the links work its my first time
Click for bigger image
let me know if the links work its my first time
Click for bigger image
Last edited by 78 Vette; Sep 4, 2006 at 10:39 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 16,100
Likes: 17
Note crack is at a very sharp corner.(first pic)..that is a high stress area and poor design...IMO...(maybe a thicker bracket with a radius at corner would suffice)...
Last edited by rihwoods; Sep 5, 2006 at 10:27 AM.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 16,945
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I replied here
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1490653
If that thing had broken you would have lost steering, scary stuff!
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1490653
If that thing had broken you would have lost steering, scary stuff!
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,500
Likes: 0
From: N.Y
I somehow made two posts I thought the first didnt work so I made another. But anyhow that's pretty scary stuff. Thinking about welding a gusset or two on the new one. I hate taking that thing out. But on a positive note the binding is gone the first time since the kit was installed.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2005
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Maybe we should have asked how long this kit has been in your vette...?? But..where the photo shows the crack indicates a design defect assuming you installed the gusset plate to the driver side bracket as per instructions....
Your pictures do not include this gusset..
Your pictures do not include this gusset..
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,500
Likes: 0
From: N.Y
I think your talking about the bracket that mounts to the bottom of the frame that bolts to part in the pic's? Of coarse it was bolted up. The new bracket I installed still has no re enforcement in this area only a relocated support for the steering shaft. The bottom line is the brackets are to weak.
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Race Director
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 16,100
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Originally Posted by 78 Vette
I think your talking about the bracket that mounts to the bottom of the frame that bolts to part in the pic's? Of coarse it was bolted up. The new bracket I installed still has no re enforcement in this area only a relocated support for the steering shaft. The bottom line is the brackets are to weak.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,500
Likes: 0
From: N.Y
I imagine its the force of the tires changing direction in a turn or possibly bump steer that is fatiguing the bracket. If someone lies under the car and you have another person wiggle the wheel back and forth you can see the movement in this bracket. Its only a matter of time till it happens again. So one of two thinks will take place I will remove it modify it reinstall or drop it in the garbage can and go with the jeep box.