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Bent LH Control arm why?

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Old 05-30-2013, 02:02 PM
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Car: GTA -89
Engine: Blown 415"
Transmission: 4L80E
Axle/Gears: Strange 12-bolt
Bent LH Control arm why?

Found this today, my LH rear control arm was bent upwards.

Any ideas why?

/N.
Attached Thumbnails Bent LH Control arm why?-sam_08102.jpg  
Old 05-30-2013, 05:26 PM
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Re: Bent LH Control arm why?

Because of a poorly designed component. The adjuster should never be in the center of the arm like that.
Old 05-30-2013, 07:01 PM
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Re: Bent LH Control arm why?

^ yup, junk parts
Old 05-30-2013, 10:14 PM
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Re: Bent LH Control arm why?

set on Fail..with that one.. ouch!
good bite at the track?
Old 05-30-2013, 10:38 PM
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Car: GTA
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Axle/Gears: Aussie 9-bolt/3.27 posi
Re: Bent LH Control arm why?

What brand is that one? Not that it really matters what brand since a single adjustment point in the middle is a bad design whoever made it. Also the reason I bought LCAs & PHB that have adjusters at the ends.

The good news on yours is that the tubes appear, in the pic, to be fine & you might be able to get away with only having to replace the adjuster piece in between the tubes.

But I would switch designs regardless, even if you did just replace the piece for now & svaed up for new LCAs. How many passes are on those?

Last edited by BlackenedBird; 05-30-2013 at 10:42 PM.
Old 05-30-2013, 11:29 PM
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Re: Bent LH Control arm why?

We had an interesting discussion a month or so ago about this kind of design on a panhard rod. I argued it was a bad idea due to this kind of problem. If only I could find that thread, your picture would be great to add.

John
Old 05-30-2013, 11:39 PM
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Re: Bent LH Control arm why?

WTH kind of sway bar end link is that?
Old 05-30-2013, 11:47 PM
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Re: Bent LH Control arm why?

Originally Posted by //<86TA>\\
Because of a poorly designed component. The adjuster should never be in the center of the arm like that.
its almost as if they put it in the worst spot possiable on purpose as no one could think thats a good idea?
Old 05-31-2013, 12:14 AM
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Car: GTA -89
Engine: Blown 415"
Transmission: 4L80E
Axle/Gears: Strange 12-bolt
Re: Bent LH Control arm why?

Its Spohns LCA...

The tubes are OK, so I'll will straighten the adjustment bolt until I get a new one shipped.

The swaybar is also from spohn.

OK, I will think about getting another design later but will go under the car some more this weekend and look closer for something "odd".......

/N.
Old 05-31-2013, 12:35 AM
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Re: Bent LH Control arm why?

DO NOT straighten out that adjuster and run it like that... that's an almost guaranteed way to cause it to break... it's junk- throw it out..
Old 05-31-2013, 12:36 AM
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Re: Bent LH Control arm why?

Originally Posted by g92optioned
WTH kind of sway bar end link is that?
the kind everyone would run if they didn't care about noise and vibration..
Old 05-31-2013, 01:47 AM
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Car: GTA -89
Engine: Blown 415"
Transmission: 4L80E
Axle/Gears: Strange 12-bolt
Re: Bent LH Control arm why?

Originally Posted by novaderrik
DO NOT straighten out that adjuster and run it like that... that's an almost guaranteed way to cause it to break... it's junk- throw it out..
I know but have to drive the car to yearly inspection and it takes some time before a new one arrives........ No supercharger is on and only nice streetdriving so think it will hold
Old 06-03-2013, 10:00 AM
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Re: Bent LH Control arm why?

We have these in stock....

http://www.midwestcontrol.com/part.php?id=1518

And while your at it, I see you are running poly double adjustable's. Look at these, double adjustable poly arms (with the adjustment point where it should be...)

http://steinjager.com/shop/index.php...ix=&tierSeven=
Old 06-03-2013, 11:10 AM
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Re: Bent LH Control arm why?

Originally Posted by gta324
Its Spohns LCA...

The tubes are OK, so I'll will straighten the adjustment bolt until I get a new one shipped.

The swaybar is also from spohn.

OK, I will think about getting another design later but will go under the car some more this weekend and look closer for something "odd".......

/N.
I can only guess they put it there so you could maybe adjust it easier with the tires on??? Spohns should replace any parts.......
Old 06-03-2013, 12:46 PM
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Re: Bent LH Control arm why?

Originally Posted by gta324
.....The tubes are OK, so I'll will straighten the adjustment bolt until I get a new one shipped......
I'd worry about the bolt becoming brittle by being stressed due to being bent then subjected to further stress by bending it back.

Shouldn't take but a few days to get a new adjuster mailed to you. State Inspection is not worth wrecking the car or somebody elses car if it failed on the road.
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