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Lock washer keeps distorting

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Old Jun 10, 2023 | 12:58 PM
  #1  
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Default Lock washer keeps distorting

Hi everyone

The bolts on the lower A-arm shafts are torqued exept for one bolt...
For some reason the lock washer keeps distorting when the bolt is torqued down (by AIM specs).

The bolt isn't damaged at all. Without the washer it torques down OK.

What's the reason for this?


2th washer I tried.
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Old Jun 10, 2023 | 01:15 PM
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It has to be a poor qualty washer (chinesium maybe?). Try one from a different source.
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Old Jun 10, 2023 | 03:54 PM
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Or use grade 8 washers.
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Old Jun 10, 2023 | 04:01 PM
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A typical hardware store lock washer is only gr2 or gr3 at best. You'll need to get some hardened ones from a proper bolt place or sometimes a heavy equipment supply house
M
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Old Jun 10, 2023 | 04:20 PM
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I'm sorry to say this but... I've also had this problem when installing my brake calipers. I've bought new bolts and washers from Corvette Central (via their Ebay) about two years ago.

Al the washers did the same thing. So I used P-washers instead.

Does this mean the bolts and washers from Corvette Vendors are al crap?

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Old Jun 10, 2023 | 04:26 PM
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One step up from cheese
M
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Old Jun 10, 2023 | 05:04 PM
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I know not correct but I only use grade 8 bolts, washers and lock washers on my hot rod projects.
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Old Jun 10, 2023 | 07:03 PM
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I agree with above comments on junk lock washers.......I have been cleaning up old originals to use for this reason, OR buy Grade 8....and hope they work.
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Old Jun 11, 2023 | 07:24 AM
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I've seen a ton of really poor quality lock washers. Working for Harley Davidson as I do I can get quality lock washers and hardware through the motor company. But it doesn't come cheap.
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Old Jun 11, 2023 | 07:48 AM
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Originally Posted by Mooser
A typical hardware store lock washer is only gr2 or gr3 at best. You'll need to get some hardened ones from a proper bolt place or sometimes a heavy equipment supply house
M
Just yesterday(Saturday) I picked up grade 8 bolts from my hardware store here in Detroit
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Old Jun 11, 2023 | 07:50 AM
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Originally Posted by Novusuhu
I'm sorry to say this but... I've also had this problem when installing my brake calipers. I've bought new bolts and washers from Corvette Central (via their Ebay) about two years ago.

Al the washers did the same thing. So I used P-washers instead.

Does this mean the bolts and washers from Corvette Vendors are al crap?
And they want “Corvette tax” for a bolt. Plus a kidney!
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Old Jun 11, 2023 | 05:05 PM
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Even my local Ace Hardware has the grade 8 stuff. I buy from them if I need one or two bolts or nuts. If I need bulk I go to Fleet Farm or Fastenal.
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