I have a couple of questions for anyone who might be able to help:

While replacing ball joints, I noticed that my RH upper control arm didn't seem to pivot quite like it should. I removed it to investigate. Previous owner had installed urethane bushings, and I was wondering if he put it back together right. I took the arm off the cross-shaft and discovered that the shaft is not really straight: I can lay it on a table and roll it over, and the threaded ends move slightly in cirlcles, like it's got a little bow to it. The center part is straight, just the ends seem to be off. It's very slight, but I'm doubting that it's normal. Does anyone know? I could take the other side apart to compare, but I'm hoping someone can tell me and save me the trouble. Can I buy that piece separately or would I have to replace the whole control arm?

Next question concerns the same cross-shaft: Is there a front and back, or can it go either way? I realize there's an inboard and outboard side, but not sure about the other way. I'm wondering if it's possible that it was installed wrong last time.

Last question: Does anyone know the torque specifications for the nuts on the end of the cross-shaft? I can't find anything about it in my service manual.

Thanks,
Jason
:cheers:

 

Update: The cross-shaft is definately bent. It appears that GM only services this part as a part of the whole upper control arm assembly.

This thing is just ever-so-SLIGHTLY bent.... What happens if I put it in a press and straighten it? Is that a no-no with aluminum suspension pieces?

Thanks,
Jason

 

If you don't get a knowledgable answer here ask a good machinest before straightening it.

Otherwise you may be able to get a used piece from Contemporary Corvette (link on my site).

 

I already gave it a shot. It's not perfectly straight, but it's straight enough that I feel comfortable using it. The bend was very slight anyway but it made the arm tighten up at the top and bottom of travel.

I seriously doubt that doing what I did would weaken the shaft enough to cause concern, but if someone knows otherwise (my local machine shop didn't think it was a problem), let me know and I'll look for a used one. Don't want to do anything unsafe. :cheers:

I'm still looking for an answer to the "front-or-back" question from above, and the torque specifications,also.



[Modified by needanother1, 8:57 PM 11/4/2002]