Lubricant for pivot bolts on mid year trailing arms

[Garry E.]

What is the recommended lubricant for the pivot bolts on mid year trailing arms.....?

When I removed the original pivot bolts from the arms on my '64, there was no lube on them (they came out easily with the cad plating still in tact on the bolt surfaces.... amazing after 45 years....). If there was lube on them at one time, it was probably long gone.

Since this area accumulates a lot of dirt from the wheels/road, a heavy grease on the bolts could attract dirt/grit and become an abrasive "goo" on the bolt and the bushing in the pivot, ultimately causing problems....

How (and, with what....) should this bolt be lubicated....???

Thanks

Garry Eastwood
#38705

[Michael W.]

Re: Lubricant for pivot bolts on mid year trailing arms

No lubricant is correct- the bolt is not a sliding surface. The relative movement between the trailing arm and the chassis is through flexing of the rubber bushing, similar to front suspension A arms.

This is another reason as to why poly bushings are a bad idea.

[Jim T.]

Re: Lubricant for pivot bolts on mid year trailing arms

Garry I have not seen any evidence of grease being used from the factory on the pivot bolt on my original owned 68 and 70.
When the pivot bolt was removed for an alignment shim relocation over the years the pivot bolt has not been greased.

The bolt thightness is what retains the aligment shims on some Corvettes. Corvettes that have slotted shims can loose a shim or shims if the bolt is not secure enough.

[Garry E.]

Re: Lubricant for pivot bolts on mid year trailing arms

Jim/Michael....

Thanks for the comments......much appreciated!

Garry Eastwood
#38705

[John H.]

Re: Lubricant for pivot bolts on mid year trailing arms

Future removal will be simplified (especially if you have "hole" shims) if you use some anti-seize on the bolt shank so it doesn't corrode to the inside diameter of the sleeve in the bushing.

[Garry E.]

Re: Lubricant for pivot bolts on mid year trailing arms

John:

I was thinking the same thing...... In about 40 years from now, some guy will thank me for doing that....!!!

Thanks for the comment....

Garry Eastwood
#38705