[Z06] Upper rear a-arm chassis weld failure
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 233
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From: laguna niguel ca
Upper rear a-arm chassis weld failure
I have 2001 Z06 used exclusively for racing that we recently found the rear upper a-arm weld to the chassis had started to separate. The car has not been hit in the rear. Anyone heard of this before and, if so, is there a GM repair procedure recommendation. Glad we saw it during a suspension modification and not at 145mph on the track.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,117
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From: USA
Re: Upper rear a-arm chassis weld failure (drbenne)
Has the car been hit, at all? Are you using race tires. After many years of racing I can tell you impacts in one area show up all over. Race tires also put a big strain on the chassis especially if the car gets airborne. I suggest if it is a problem on one side the other side is also a problem. In the late 70's-early 80's the first thing we did to build a race car was reweld EVERYTHING!
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 233
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From: laguna niguel ca
Re: Upper rear a-arm chassis weld failure (Painrace)
There has been some light front contact, but nothing too major. Thanks for the recommendation on weld everything. I am planning on having all the rear a-arm connections welded and reinforced with some welded gussets. Scared the heck out of me to think that I may have gone out next month and had a rear suspension failure.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 41,058
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From: Charlotte, NC (formerly Endicott, NY)
Re: Upper rear a-arm chassis weld failure (rgregory)
Several years ago there was some number of people who reported the problem of broken suspension mounting point welds. Not sure but it may have been in 99 or 2000.
Bill
Bill
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 6,101
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From: ABQ NM
Cruise-In II Veteran
Re: Upper rear a-arm chassis weld failure (drbenne)
Something similar to this happened to Batmobile a few years ago; if I recall correctly, it was one of the shock tower mounts....
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 12,375
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From: Florida
Re: Upper rear a-arm chassis weld failure (wamara)
Something similar to this happened to Batmobile a few years ago; if I recall correctly, it was one of the shock tower mounts....
dbenne, are you running coilovers?
