Control Arm Question
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,583
Likes: 5
From: Richardson Tx.
Control Arm Question
I've got the new bushings in and the cross shaft installed between the ears. Should the cross shaft be able to rotate freely between the ears?
Yes I used a press without a stabilizer between the ears but I went very slow and carefully. If I whack the crossshaft with a hammer it will rotate somewhat.Is me Control Arm toast?
Yes I used a press without a stabilizer between the ears but I went very slow and carefully. If I whack the crossshaft with a hammer it will rotate somewhat.Is me Control Arm toast?
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 11,872
Likes: 12
From: Waterloo ontario Canada
Originally Posted by big_G
With the end bolts loose, the shaft should turn easily. Tighten them only after the suspension is assembled and full vehicle weight is on the suspension.
I use poly, lots a grease and they move freely. I tighten the bolts on the bench then test for free movement.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 5,752
Likes: 5
From: Austin Texas
This meathod applies only to factory style rubber bushings. The center bushing sleeve is serrated at the ends, which when tightened will lock on the shaft, preventing rotation. I have read about tightening the bolts in several publications, and have done it that way for longer than I care to remember. I agree with you completely, poly is better, but nothing in the original rubber design prevents them from locking. 
Racer
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 464
Likes: 0
From: Charleston South Carolina
I just did my front suspension also but have yet to put the engine in, so I haven't tightened the cross shaft bolts yet. Mine move freely when loose and bind when torqued. I checked this before I installed the springs. In the instructions that came with the poly bushing kit, it says to torque them after the vehicle is on the ground and ALL of the weight is on it. I would also suspect that this binding would cause improper function of the susp, but then again we are dealing with a 3000 lbs car and when it hits a dip in the road the susp WILL go up and down like it is supposed to. At least is isn't like the original bushings that I took out, I couldn't even get the cross shaft to turn while the control arm was in a vise and I used a pair of channel locks on it!! I say just follow the instructions and be happy that you have BRAND NEW PARTS in your car. just my .02
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,672
Likes: 1
From: New Cumberland PA
Poly and rubber are completely different. The suspension should not be tightened until the weight of the vehicle is placed on the bushings when using rubber. By doing so it will have the bushing 'centered'. Poly bushing move freely. It shouldn't matter if they are tightened before placing the load on the suspession. I think of poly bushings more as rubber bearing.
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Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 23,381
Likes: 1,067
From: Virginia USA
I don't know about poly but if you used rubber you should be able to rotate the rod. It may be a little tough but it should move. When you put the weight of the car on them the center shaft will rotate to its "at rest" position. Then you tighten the end bolts to lock everything down. If you tighten the end bolts down before the weight is on them then the car will cause the bushing to bind up and they will be destoryed over time.... you will also notice your front ride height too high.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 6,134
Likes: 46
From: Raleigh North Carolina
Originally Posted by theandies
I don't know about poly but if you used rubber you should be able to rotate the rod. It may be a little tough but it should move. When you put the weight of the car on them the center shaft will rotate to its "at rest" position. Then you tighten the end bolts to lock everything down. If you tighten the end bolts down before the weight is on them then the car will cause the bushing to bind up and they will be destoryed over time.... you will also notice your front ride height too high.
