C-2 Suspension Cross Member Removal

[George C.]

I had a post on this subject back around April 8. Thanks to all the good advice I got it off with a little penetrating oil, and two small bars worked from opposite sides of the cushion. I replaced the cushions, everything is cleaned, painted new seals and gaskets on the rear end, and all ready for re-assembly. I also had the trailing arms rebuilt by Van Steel. Now I am having trouble pulling cross member up tight with the new cushions. I didn't want to put any kind of grease or oil on them for obvious reasons. I do not want to crank on the bolts to the point of breaking the weld nuts in the sombrero. I am considering finishing all the suspension and driveline assembly and let the weight of the car help seat the cushions. Has anyone else tried this, or should I just crank on the bolts until the cushions are pulled up tight.

Thank you in advance,
George
#36908

[Wayne P.]

Re: C-2 Suspension Cross Member Removal

Try dishwashing liguid or a vinly dressing. Either one will make slick and not harm the rubber.

[Chuck R.]

Re: Anti Seeze

I contacted the Permatex Company and was told that their anti seeze product will not harm rubber.

Chuck

[Joe L.]

Re: C-2 Suspension Cross Member Removal

George-----

What makes you think that the cushions aren't seated?. These should seat pretty easily when the center bolts are tightened down. In any event, just tighten them to the specified torque setting. Later, after the car is on the road and has had a chance to "settle", you can recheck the bolts for the correct torque setting.

[Joe L.]

Addendum

Also, what I use on the cushions is a VERY light coating of silicone grease. Primarily, I do this for ease of removal the next time, but it will also work to reduce the installation "friction" between the cushion and the sombrero barcket when using new cushions and facilitate immediate "seating" of the cushions.

Also, I might add that these cushions rarely need to be replaced. If there are no "chunks" out of them (as a result of the crossmember disengagement process) and if there is no obvious deterioration, they're fine for re-use. These cushions are not exposed to any direct sunlight (i.e. UV radiation which is, BY FAR, the major source of rubber deterioration) and very little of the rubber surface is exposed to atmospheric conditions. So, these cushions can be pretty much "immortal".

[Duke W.]

Re: Addendum

Like Joe says, a very thin film. Another way to achieve this is to liberally spray the rubber with silicone spray lubricant, let the carrier dry, and you have a thin film of silicone, which should keep the rubber from seizing to the steel the next time it has to come out.

duke