i had a suspension shop change my A frame bushings, upper and lower, about 200 miles ago. i just happened to be looking things over and noticed that they did not look right. on inspection i saw that all were loose and 2 just about backed out all the way. one rear lower bolt is gone all together. this is a L72 car i run agressivly. i thought i would research this before i call them. first should this have happened? second would it have resulted in catastophic failure? i paid a "corvette tax" to have them done if you know what i mean. i take my children for rides all the time in this car. i started to notice an odd metal to metal feel and was going to have another shop check the ball joints and idler arm. i did all the work on this car, but farmed this out because i lacked a press and wanted a pro to do the work because of safety concerns.
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Re: C2 A frame bushing questions
Should be a press fit. The bolts do not get tightened until after the arms are installed on the car and the weight os the car is back on them to achieve the proper "set" in the rubber before the bolts on the large washers are tightened. did you or the shop do the final installation back on the car? That is when they should have been tightened.Bill Clupper #618 -
Re: C2 A frame bushing questions
they did it all as well as new springs.Comment
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Re: C2 A frame bushing questions
Urethane busings I`ll bet.Comment
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Re: C2 A frame bushing questions
why? because they don't meet judging or are known to come loose.Comment
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Re: C2 A frame bushing questions
They are notorious for coming loose.Comment
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Re: C2 A frame bushing questions
bill------
There are a few applications on a Corvette where urethane bushings work out well. However, front control arm bushings are definitely NOT one of those applications. So, if that's what's been installed on your car, it was a mistake.In Appreciation of John HinckleyComment
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Re: C2 A frame bushing questions
Bill:
Years ago I had bushings come out of the driver's side A frame on my '69. I was only going about 25 miles an hour approaching a traffic light. The A frame shot forwared and in and crushed through my fan shroud. I can only immagine what damage would have been done (to me and the car) had I been on the highway. They were urethane and as Joe suggests below, NEVER use these on this location.
JeffComment
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Re: Now you guys have me worried!!!
Andy:
What I found to be the cause of the bolts loosening was that there is a steel sleeve in the center of the bushing that the bolt passes through that must be trimmed to an exact length as per the manufacturer. If the insert or sleeve is too long, the bolts will not maintain their torque. If too short, the bolt will overly squeese the bushing. I did not set them to the proper length and 1 let loose and, after repairs, one on the other side loosened but I caught it before it fell out. I also couldn't stand the constant sqeeking so I replaced them all with press in bushings and I don't have to worry any more.
JeffComment
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