VBP dual mount rear spring
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,404
Likes: 1
From: Ansonia/NYC CT
VBP dual mount rear spring
I installed it last year, and in that time, I have as of yesterday now lost TWO bolts that hold the spring onto the mounts. Now, I'm not typically an angry person, I like to think of myself as being pretty easy to please. And to that, I LOVE the way this suspension makes my car feel.
However, this seems to be a known issue, especially in this forum, of which VBP is a supporting vendor. Is there ANY research into how to fix this probem, or am I doomed to always wonder if today is going to be the day my springs pops loose after hitting a bump?
I have lost 2 bolts on 2 different times now, the latest one WITH locktite on it. I would say maybe this kit needs to be sent with longer bolts, and airplane nuts to secure it from the other side. The question is, VBP...do you care?
However, this seems to be a known issue, especially in this forum, of which VBP is a supporting vendor. Is there ANY research into how to fix this probem, or am I doomed to always wonder if today is going to be the day my springs pops loose after hitting a bump?
I have lost 2 bolts on 2 different times now, the latest one WITH locktite on it. I would say maybe this kit needs to be sent with longer bolts, and airplane nuts to secure it from the other side. The question is, VBP...do you care?
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,404
Likes: 1
From: Ansonia/NYC CT
Just read that, sounds maybe a little harsh, which isn't my style...but...Now I gotta call VBP, order yet another bolt (maybe I'll order four just to have on hand), and then wait for it to come, to be installed before I can drive my car again. With winter aproaching in CT, meaning the final days of this driving season.
To be fair, everything else I have gotten from VBP have been of supperb quality, and I would still rate myself as a satisfied customer.
To be fair, everything else I have gotten from VBP have been of supperb quality, and I would still rate myself as a satisfied customer.
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,973
Likes: 5
From: Valrico Florida
I came into a used VBP system through a trade. Previous owner bent all the plates on the springs I assume trying to solve the problem you describe. VBP said the bolts had been overtightened. I like your idea of retaining nuts. Another solution would be to have the bolt heads drilled for safety wires or a dab of epoxy on the bolts before you tighten them. Good luck.
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 4,435
Likes: 9
From: Kalamazoo Mi
its easy to safety wire any nut or bolts that are giving you problems. I feel that any critical nuts or bolts should be secured somehow, and if thread locker isnt cutting it look into this.
OH and make sure that you do it the correct way, or it will be Un safety wire
OH and make sure that you do it the correct way, or it will be Un safety wire
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,720
Likes: 555
From: Seattle Washington
Well I had the same problem or I figured I would have the same problem so I Safety Wired mine as above when I installed it. Its not that big of a deal to do.
If anybody out there has an Early Style Arched Spring for the Dual Mount I'm interested in Buying it. ( the Late Spring will be Flat in the middle when not under load, the early arched)
If anybody out there has an Early Style Arched Spring for the Dual Mount I'm interested in Buying it. ( the Late Spring will be Flat in the middle when not under load, the early arched)
Holley HP EFI w/TPI
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 553
Likes: 0
From: Kanata ON
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 3,000
Likes: 22
From: Boulder Creek California
The head must be drilled through, that's the tricky part especially if it's a high-hardness bolt (e.g. grade 8), then buy yourself some safety wire and make sure it goes around the head as pictured so it resists loosening.
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Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,720
Likes: 555
From: Seattle Washington
The way its done in the Picture is not the correct way to do it but it works just fine for Automotive. I'n the Airplane Industry they Drill the Head from one flat into the next flat so that a 6 point head would have 3 holes. This way there is always a Hole in the right spot. It also dosn't put a hole threw the center of the head making it weaker. They use a fixture to drill them. I have never done it the correct way I have always done it the same way as in the Picture. They also make safety wire pliers that make twisting the wire a breeze. There are people who do this all day long for a living.
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,973
Likes: 5
From: Valrico Florida
Notice that the wires are positioned so that they appear to be pulling the bolts tighter. Check with an aviation supply business or aircraft mechanic; they might have the bolts you need already drilled. They won't be cheap. Good luck.
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 4,435
Likes: 9
From: Kalamazoo Mi
Check out this site, they have everything you could ever want, or need. Those Safety Wire Twisters are very helpful, but if you are only doing a few bolts/ nuts i would just do it by hand or use the "Safety wire tool" the one that looks like a screw driver. They also have drill jigs if you think you are going to need to drill a lot of bolts. Otherwise just buy pre drilled bolts, i am sure Fastenall carries them.
http://www.aircraftspruce.com/menus/...wiretools.html
http://www.aircraftspruce.com/menus/...wiretools.html
Racer
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 359
Likes: 0
From: PYOTE BOMBER BASE TEXAS
On My VB&P Front Transverse and Rear Dual-Mount Composite Monospring Systems, I too lost a few of the bolts on the Aluminum Blocks used for the Adjustible Spring Rate Set-up. So, I Replaced them with a Stainless Steel Hex-Head Bolts. I also wanted to think of a upgraded fastner set-up, that would fix them from backing out again...But everytime that I check them...they are still tight.
In my case I can only assume, that the first bolts, were able to compress and work harden the tapped threads...before they wiggled loose and out. ( Like Alloy Wheels and Lug-nuts )
The Stainless Bolts made up tight, and no thread locking compound was used... However, I still inspect them often on " My Pre-trip Inspection" . I hope that yours will not become an ongoing concern .
In my case I can only assume, that the first bolts, were able to compress and work harden the tapped threads...before they wiggled loose and out. ( Like Alloy Wheels and Lug-nuts )
The Stainless Bolts made up tight, and no thread locking compound was used... However, I still inspect them often on " My Pre-trip Inspection" . I hope that yours will not become an ongoing concern .
Last edited by TEXASDESERTVETTE; Sep 15, 2010 at 02:43 PM.
