RE: [DML] New DeLorean Parts (TAB's specifically)

["Marc A. Levy" <malevy@xxxx>]

Toby,

Your statement below confused me.

First you say you torque your bolts 2-3 times a year, and then you explain how the bolt stretches. Is it possible you stressed your bolt while re-torque so often? There are a number of critical bolts which most automakers recommend replacement after they have been used (Flywheel to crankshaft is one I can think of) due to stretching when it is installed. There are just so many times you can "stretch" the bolt before it gives (even if you torque it proper by taking it out, cleaning, and reinstalling).

I admit, I am no expert on this topic (or most, for that matter!) but conversations with both DeLorean professionals, and engineers (non-delorean related) say that the most likely cause of bolt failure in this configuration is due to the nut becoming loose and the bolt being stressed BECAUSE it is loose. The fix is to double nut the bolt.

With that said, I may pick up a set of Toby TAB's some time in the future anyway. :)

Your efforts are appreciated; please do not take this as an attack on you or your project.

Marc


> -----Original Message-----
> From: tmpintnl [mailto:tobyp@xxxx]
> Subject: Re: [DML] New DeLorean Parts (TAB's specifically)
> 
> 
> Martin and List - I appreciate the contributions that DMC Joe 
> has made 
> to the support for the DeLorean. However, if the "quote" below is 
> true, I must disagree. I have personally changed many bolts 
> that were 
> bent (and broken) on cars that had been properly maintained in terms 
> of the TAB's. My car, for instance, got a good visual check and 
> torque check at every tech session (2 ~ 3 times per year). 
> Mine broke 
> 'out of the blue' at one of those tech sessions. Perhaps you and DMC 
> Joe can review some of my thesis on the topic. You will find 
> that the 
> OEM TAB's are most likely yielding a little every time they 
> are loaded 
> up during driving. The "little yields" accumulate into a situation 
> where the bolt actually stretches. This cycle will repeat every time 
> the bolt is tightened, until the material reaches it's 
> elastic limit. 
> When the material enters the plastic range (a technical term), the 
> bolt is in the process of failing in bending or ductile 
> fracture. The 
> OEM bolts will also succumb to corrosion if the yielding doesn't get 
> them first. I will remind you that 1/3 of those responding to the 
> poll said that they had experienced bolt bending. I cannot believee 
> that that many cars are improperly maintained. Of course, the 1/3 
> that said they didn't know, and didn't care, are the ones 
> that concern 
> me. Ignorance is not always bliss.
> 
> Toby Peterson VIN 2248
> Winged1 
> 
>