Control Arm cross shaft play?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 288
Likes: 1
From: Maple Ridge British Columbia
Control Arm cross shaft play?
In a previous thread, I decided that pressing in my new poly control arm bushings was too hard for me, so I took them to my local Corvette dealer to have them done. I got them back today and noticed that the cross shafts in the lower control arms have quite a bit of lateral movement between the bushings. The shaft will move about a quarter of an inch side to side. Is this normal? The upper control arm shafts have almost no play side to side.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 8,918
Likes: 27
From: New Hill NC
In a previous thread, I decided that pressing in my new poly control arm bushings was too hard for me, so I took them to my local Corvette dealer to have them done. I got them back today and noticed that the cross shafts in the lower control arms have quite a bit of lateral movement between the bushings. The shaft will move about a quarter of an inch side to side. Is this normal? The upper control arm shafts have almost no play side to side.
No there should be no play. Did they tighten the end bolts?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 288
Likes: 1
From: Maple Ridge British Columbia
I posted this question without thinking it through first. You are correct that I did not have the shat bolts in place and tightened, so that's why I have the play.
As for using the poly bushings, I actually had both poly and rubber bushings from a couple of different front end kits I ordered. I asked VBP, VanSteel and my local Corvette shop that's been in business for over 30 years and they all said go with the poly bushings for the front end.
As for using the poly bushings, I actually had both poly and rubber bushings from a couple of different front end kits I ordered. I asked VBP, VanSteel and my local Corvette shop that's been in business for over 30 years and they all said go with the poly bushings for the front end.
Premium Supporting Vendor
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 4,312
Likes: 70
From: Clearwater FL
Poly is good for certain applications and every ones application is different.
The poly bushings you have, do they have a gold shell or black shell? Did they put the inner sleeve in the bushings?
The poly bushings you have, do they have a gold shell or black shell? Did they put the inner sleeve in the bushings?
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 87,375
Likes: 1,593
From: Western NY
When I rebuilt the front end on the '79 that my wife used to own, I went with poly bushings, because we were using the OE sized, 225/70/15 tires. They have PLENTY of sidewall height, to provide a nice, cushy ride.
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