C3 Tech/Performance V8 Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine, Basic Tech and Maintenance for the C3 Corvette
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

VPB adjustable strut rods and thread locking

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Aug 5, 2009 | 02:49 PM
  #1  
MN-Brent's Avatar
MN-Brent
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Veteran: Navy
25 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
 
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 5,000
Likes: 1
From: Minneapolis, Mn USA
Default VPB adjustable strut rods and thread locking

I'm using the VPB poly adjustable strut rods and also have VPB Rack Attack R&P with adjustable tie rods as well. Love the set-up!!

So I'm down making a camber adjustment on my rear wheels when I come across the loose nut on the drivers outer strut rod locking nut. Ive tightened these babies down pretty hard before and was surprised to see this one loose.

I beleive there is what looks like a copper antisieze type compound on the threads as new from what I saw. Maybe Im hallucinating.

Is it a common practice to put some type of maybe blue locktite on these nut to help keep them locked down? Hate to have the front steering come loose. So far it has only been the rear struts.
Reply
Old Aug 5, 2009 | 03:21 PM
  #2  
bashcraft's Avatar
bashcraft
Le Mans Master
20 Year Member
Active Streak: 30 Days
Active Streak: 60 Days
 
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 6,505
Likes: 139
From: Butler Pa
Default

These are jam nuts, correct? If they're tight enough, they won't come loose.
Reply
Old Aug 5, 2009 | 03:51 PM
  #3  
Gordonm's Avatar
Gordonm
Race Director
25 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 19,610
Likes: 778
From: Forked River NJ
Default

Don't be afraid of them. They are big threads and tough to strip them out. I have not had one comes loose but I really tighten them hard because I have heard of others with the same problem you are talking about.
Reply
Old Aug 5, 2009 | 07:33 PM
  #4  
C3 Stroker's Avatar
C3 Stroker
Safety Car
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 3,924
Likes: 735
From: Youngstown Ohio
Default

Agree with above......tightened the jam nuts big time, and so far they've been OK for years. I still give them a check once a year for peace of mind.
Reply
Old Aug 5, 2009 | 09:17 PM
  #5  
69elky's Avatar
69elky
Racer
 
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 286
Likes: 0
From: Pensacola Fla
Default nuts

I have em and ya got a put some weight behind them nuts
Reply
Old Aug 6, 2009 | 07:32 AM
  #6  
FB007's Avatar
FB007
Burning Brakes
 
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 952
Likes: 0
Default

Originally Posted by MN-Brent
I'm using the VPB poly adjustable strut rods and also have VPB Rack Attack R&P with adjustable tie rods as well. Love the set-up!!

So I'm down making a camber adjustment on my rear wheels when I come across the loose nut on the drivers outer strut rod locking nut. Ive tightened these babies down pretty hard before and was surprised to see this one loose.

I beleive there is what looks like a copper antisieze type compound on the threads as new from what I saw. Maybe Im hallucinating.

Is it a common practice to put some type of maybe blue locktite on these nut to help keep them locked down? Hate to have the front steering come loose. So far it has only been the rear struts.
Are you using poly bushings?
Reply
Old Aug 6, 2009 | 09:44 AM
  #7  
MN-Brent's Avatar
MN-Brent
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Veteran: Navy
25 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
 
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 5,000
Likes: 1
From: Minneapolis, Mn USA
Default

Originally Posted by FB007
Are you using poly bushings?
The bushing are poly, but the bolts that are holding them are not a problem. In this case it wouldnt matter if it was a heim joint, rubber or poly bushing. Its the threaded rod lock down nuts for the adjustment

I recranked them real tight again after the camber adjustment, so we'll see. It sounds like use of a loctite isnt popular or recommended for this location.

B.
Reply
Old Aug 6, 2009 | 09:53 AM
  #8  
bashcraft's Avatar
bashcraft
Le Mans Master
20 Year Member
Active Streak: 30 Days
Active Streak: 60 Days
 
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 6,505
Likes: 139
From: Butler Pa
Default

Originally Posted by MN-Brent
It sounds like use of a loctite isnt popular or recommended for this location.

B.
I guess you could use the blue stuff since it's not permanent, but it's just not needed.
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-1

Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

 Joe Kucinski
story-3

8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

 Brett Foote
story-7

Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-8

10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

 Michael S. Palmer
Old Aug 6, 2009 | 01:03 PM
  #9  
FB007's Avatar
FB007
Burning Brakes
 
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 952
Likes: 0
Default

Originally Posted by MN-Brent
The bushing are poly, but the bolts that are holding them are not a problem. In this case it wouldnt matter if it was a heim joint, rubber or poly bushing. Its the threaded rod lock down nuts for the adjustment
Not really. You see, the T/A's go up and down in an arc. Poly is not very compliant. Either the poly "gives", or the locknut does.
Rubber or hims allow for this arc motion. Capiche?
Reply
Old Aug 6, 2009 | 09:33 PM
  #10  
KevinK's Avatar
KevinK
Drifting
 
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,404
Likes: 1
From: Ansonia/NYC CT
Default

Eh......I had to use locktite on mine.


I got a wrench on em, after a COUPLE of times seeing it loose, on the driver side, and let me tell you, I'm not some little fella, I put a LOT of preasure on them the last time, and it still came loose.


I put some locktite on it, and no problems so far, and I've been daily driving it on CTs craptastic roads for a couple months now.
Reply
Old Aug 7, 2009 | 12:02 PM
  #11  
MN-Brent's Avatar
MN-Brent
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Veteran: Navy
25 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
 
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 5,000
Likes: 1
From: Minneapolis, Mn USA
Default

Originally Posted by FB007
Not really. You see, the T/A's go up and down in an arc. Poly is not very compliant. Either the poly "gives", or the locknut does.
Rubber or hims allow for this arc motion. Capiche?
Your thinking of the bolt-nut that go through the bushing. Im talking about the locknuts the hold the adjusting sleeve in position. They are not in contact with the bushing-rod end at all, so the bushing could be made of kryptonite and it wouldn't make a diff.

See pic:
Reply
Old Aug 7, 2009 | 12:19 PM
  #12  
MN-Brent's Avatar
MN-Brent
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Veteran: Navy
25 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
 
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 5,000
Likes: 1
From: Minneapolis, Mn USA
Default

Originally Posted by KevinK
Eh......I had to use locktite on mine.


I got a wrench on em, after a COUPLE of times seeing it loose, on the driver side, and let me tell you, I'm not some little fella, I put a LOT of preasure on them the last time, and it still came loose.


I put some locktite on it, and no problems so far, and I've been daily driving it on CTs craptastic roads for a couple months now.
I cranked 'em down again with the pythons:
Reply
Old Aug 7, 2009 | 12:25 PM
  #13  
forvicjr's Avatar
forvicjr
Burning Brakes
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 1,132
Likes: 14
From: A town SC
Default Loose nuts---LOL!!

Originally Posted by MN-Brent
I cranked 'em down again with the pythons:
I believe i would pull them back loose and check for damaged threads.. just an idea for you...vic

edit; check the inside of the sleeves.really important if there aluminum..
Reply
Old Aug 7, 2009 | 12:32 PM
  #14  
68L71's Avatar
68L71
Pro
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 647
Likes: 12
From: Midwest
Default

Originally Posted by FB007
Not really. You see, the T/A's go up and down in an arc. Poly is not very compliant. Either the poly "gives", or the locknut does.
Rubber or hims allow for this arc motion. Capiche?
This arc movement causes twisting and given that the poly does not give it twists the end and loosens the jamb nut. This is why the jam nut never loosens on your tie rods. Either put rubber or heim joints here. I have heim joints and my jam nuts never come loose.

Poly for the t/a and strut rod end bushings is not a good thing.
Reply
Old Aug 7, 2009 | 12:41 PM
  #15  
forvicjr's Avatar
forvicjr
Burning Brakes
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 1,132
Likes: 14
From: A town SC
Default

Originally Posted by FB007
Not really. You see, the T/A's go up and down in an arc. Poly is not very compliant. Either the poly "gives", or the locknut does.
Rubber or hims allow for this arc motion. Capiche?
Before i spend money on more parts, i would double lock nut the thing.it wouldnt move after that!! he would have a total of 8 nuts holding tight..
Reply
Old Aug 7, 2009 | 12:42 PM
  #16  
forvicjr's Avatar
forvicjr
Burning Brakes
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 1,132
Likes: 14
From: A town SC
Default

Originally Posted by 68L71
This arc movement causes twisting and given that the poly does not give it twists the end and loosens the jamb nut. This is why the jam nut never loosens on your tie rods. Either put rubber or heim joints here. I have heim joints and my jam nuts never come loose.

Poly for the t/a and strut rod end bushings is not a good thing.
why is poly no good for t/a and strut rod bushings?? curious...
Reply
Old Aug 7, 2009 | 01:49 PM
  #17  
DaveL82's Avatar
DaveL82
Drifting
25 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
 
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 1,542
Likes: 43
From: Plano TX
Default

Poly is good for bushings but as pointed out, when the struts move up and down they also move in an arc as the t-arm moves. The t-arm rotates around the front bolt.

With the stock ones being welded this would never happen. You could double nut them as mentioned but make sure you get both left and right hand threaded lock nuts, try to tighten very tight.

I use rod ends on mine so it's not a problem becuae the rods ends rotate in two planes. Guess you could put a rod end at one end of the link and save the bushing as a spare.

Yes they do rotate slightly
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To VPB adjustable strut rods and thread locking

Old Aug 7, 2009 | 08:42 PM
  #18  
FB007's Avatar
FB007
Burning Brakes
 
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 952
Likes: 0
Default

Originally Posted by MN-Brent
Your thinking of the bolt-nut that go through the bushing. Im talking about the locknuts the hold the adjusting sleeve in position. They are not in contact with the bushing-rod end at all, so the bushing could be made of kryptonite and it wouldn't make a diff.

See pic:
If your bushings were made of Kryptonite, the rod end would shear/snap off on the first jounce.
Take the spring off one side(8" bolts), and swing the T/A up and down. It will bind with poly.
Reply
Old Aug 7, 2009 | 08:44 PM
  #19  
FB007's Avatar
FB007
Burning Brakes
 
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 952
Likes: 0
Default

Originally Posted by forvicjr
Before i spend money on more parts, i would double lock nut the thing.it wouldnt move after that!! he would have a total of 8 nuts holding tight..
Then you don't understand what we are talking about.
Reply
Old Aug 7, 2009 | 10:33 PM
  #20  
trw's Avatar
trw
Melting Slicks
20 Year Member
 
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 2,125
Likes: 9
From: Crescent City, CA
Default

Could there be a difference in installing the rods, say end to end?
One way they loosen and the other they tighten?
Just a thought.
Thanks
Reply



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 03:12 AM.

story-0
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

Slideshow: How to Protect A Convertible Top: 10 DOs & DON'Ts

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-03 00:00:00


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

Slideshow: The 10 most explosive Corvettes ever built based on power-to-weight ratio.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-20 07:23:03


VIEW MORE
story-2
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

Slideshow: From C1 to C8 we compare every Corvette generation by the numbers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 16:54:12


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

Slideshow: Some Corvette pace cars became collectible legends, while others perfectly captured the look and attitude of their era.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-11 09:50:51


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

Slideshow: Ranking the top 10 Corvette engines by torque output.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 11:58:09


VIEW MORE
story-5
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

Slideshow: A Corvette pace car nearly matching IndyCar speeds sounds exaggerated, until you look at the numbers.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-04 20:03:36


VIEW MORE
story-6
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

Among a rather large group of them.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-04 13:56:44


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

Slideshow: the top 10 things Corvette owners want in the C9 Corvette

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-30 12:41:15


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know

Slideshow: 10 Important Corvette 'firsts' that every fan should know.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-29 17:02:16


VIEW MORE
story-9
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

Slideshow: Should you buy a 2020-2026 Corvette or wait for 2027?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-22 10:08:58


VIEW MORE