Re: [doc] Trailing Arm Bolts

[Martin Gutkowski - DMC Ltd <martin@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Hi Paul

The simplest test is on the road to do a left-right-left manoever, as if 
avoiding a squirrel :-) The back end should feel tight and positive. If 
it wanders around and feels vague, the chances are that your TABs are 
loose. They get loose due to the way they are installed. The torque 
figure of 65ft-lbs is getting close to the elastic limit of the original 
bolts -before- you start applying the stress of the rear suspension (all 
the thrust and drag of the back wheels under accelleration and braking). 
So they appear to "come loose" over time. However it's not the nut 
backing off, but the bolt stretching.

We've done Inconel bolts for some time which are a thoroughly 
over-engineered solution to the problem. But for the fact that you can 
probably forget about them forever after, they're not all that expensive 
when you think about it. Inconel is a wierd material which is extremely 
strong and also impervious to corrosion.

The trailing arm bush must also be checked when you change the bolts. 
THese are an off-the shelf item in this country - must get around to 
putting them on the website!

Mileage has little to do with it. My car with 4000 miles on it had a 
loose bolt. Now has a pair of Inconel's and has stayed tight for the 
past two years. And I like to drive my car hard. (just have to get 
adjustable lower link arms because I'm eating back tyres as if they're 
going out of fashion :-)

Best Wishes

Martin
#1458
#4426

Paul wrote:

> 
>
>Hi,
>
> 
>
>As most of you probably know Im new to Delorean ownership  but loving every
>minute of it.
>
> 
>
>I have read a few things about the Trailing Arm Bolts and how important they
>are.
>
> 
>
>Im not sure if mine have ever been replaced.  Are they something that should
>be replaced as a matter of course or will there be symptoms that they need
>replaced before they actually give way.
>
> 
>
>Im in the process of sorting a few things out and if need be (but hoping
>not) will go ahead and replace these two when Im at it.  The car has 28000
>miles on it if that makes any difference.
>
> 
>
>Thanks.
>
> 
>
>Paul (162)
>
>Belfas
>
>Vin 2493
>  
>




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