Stupid mistake with steering linkages
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Stupid mistake with steering linkages
Hi all
Me and my dad put together the new centre link, tie rod ends etc yesterday. Got it all bolted up no problem.....then when I was looking at it I thought hang on. That doesn't look right.
I think we just blew through it too quick and the centre link is facing the wrong way so the inner tie rods are on the outside now instead of at the back!
I've immediately took the nuts off the tie rod ends, idler arm and pitman arm to drop it all down and simply turn it around but can I hell get anything to separate now. I'm guessing all the new tapers are really in there already!
I've pulled the wheels lock to lock and everything is fine and moves nicely so my question is can I just leave it as it is? Or will the shop that needs to do the alignment get really weird numbers on their laser machine???
It will bug me though.... I might have to buy a ball joint separator kit to try and pop them free properly instead of whacking them with a metal bar and hammer.
Me and my dad put together the new centre link, tie rod ends etc yesterday. Got it all bolted up no problem.....then when I was looking at it I thought hang on. That doesn't look right.
I think we just blew through it too quick and the centre link is facing the wrong way so the inner tie rods are on the outside now instead of at the back!
I've immediately took the nuts off the tie rod ends, idler arm and pitman arm to drop it all down and simply turn it around but can I hell get anything to separate now. I'm guessing all the new tapers are really in there already!
I've pulled the wheels lock to lock and everything is fine and moves nicely so my question is can I just leave it as it is? Or will the shop that needs to do the alignment get really weird numbers on their laser machine???
It will bug me though.... I might have to buy a ball joint separator kit to try and pop them free properly instead of whacking them with a metal bar and hammer.
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Re: Stupid mistake with steering linkages
Get a nut the same size as the one that holds them together. Put it on the threads until the end of the stud almost comes through; maybe one thread from emerging. Then you can use your BFH safely. Do that at the Pitman arm and the outer rod ends; unbolt the idler arm from the chassis; then once it's all laying on the ground, it'll be MUCH easier and safer to finish disassembling, with less risk of damaging anything.
It won't affect "alignment", as such; but it WILL give you weird "bump steer" effects. I sure wouldn't leave it like that. The location of the rod end ball is supposed to be exactly in line with a line through the control arm bolts, and it won't be with the ball that far out in front. That line will miss the ball pivot by most of an inch with it like that.
I see a Nylock on that one rod end. That'd be a death trap: I wouldn't even get in that car, let alone ride in it, and sure as hell wouldn't drive it, with those. Should be a castle nut with a cotter pin.
It won't affect "alignment", as such; but it WILL give you weird "bump steer" effects. I sure wouldn't leave it like that. The location of the rod end ball is supposed to be exactly in line with a line through the control arm bolts, and it won't be with the ball that far out in front. That line will miss the ball pivot by most of an inch with it like that.
I see a Nylock on that one rod end. That'd be a death trap: I wouldn't even get in that car, let alone ride in it, and sure as hell wouldn't drive it, with those. Should be a castle nut with a cotter pin.
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T.L. (08-30-2021)
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Re: Stupid mistake with steering linkages
Get a nut the same size as the one that holds them together. Put it on the threads until the end of the stud almost comes through; maybe one thread from emerging. Then you can use your BFH safely. Do that at the Pitman arm and the outer rod ends; unbolt the idler arm from the chassis; then once it's all laying on the ground, it'll be MUCH easier and safer to finish disassembling, with less risk of damaging anything.
It won't affect "alignment", as such; but it WILL give you weird "bump steer" effects. I sure wouldn't leave it like that. The location of the rod end ball is supposed to be exactly in line with a line through the control arm bolts, and it won't be with the ball that far out in front. That line will miss the ball pivot by most of an inch with it like that.
I see a Nylock on that one rod end. That'd be a death trap: I wouldn't even get in that car, let alone ride in it, and sure as hell wouldn't drive it, with those. Should be a castle nut with a cotter pin.
It won't affect "alignment", as such; but it WILL give you weird "bump steer" effects. I sure wouldn't leave it like that. The location of the rod end ball is supposed to be exactly in line with a line through the control arm bolts, and it won't be with the ball that far out in front. That line will miss the ball pivot by most of an inch with it like that.
I see a Nylock on that one rod end. That'd be a death trap: I wouldn't even get in that car, let alone ride in it, and sure as hell wouldn't drive it, with those. Should be a castle nut with a cotter pin.
As for the tie rod ends I was surprised these came with a nylon locking nut and not the usual castle nut. Even though the other parts from the same supplier have Castle nuts and cotter pins?
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Re: Stupid mistake with steering linkages
EDIT: Also, I don't think Factory used cotter pins on steering components.
Last edited by LiquidBlue; 08-30-2021 at 05:41 PM.
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Re: Stupid mistake with steering linkages
good catch and interesting point. now you make me want to go look and see what I did with my BMW. Thinking they are nylock type nuts holding on some of the control arms. thanks for the warning!
EDIT: Also, I don't think Factory used cotter pins on steering components.
EDIT: Also, I don't think Factory used cotter pins on steering components.
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Re: Stupid mistake with steering linkages
Edited to add; while the factory did use cotter pins, what they didn't install was grease fittings on the various steering parts, or the driveshaft U joints.
Last edited by OrangeBird; 08-30-2021 at 06:52 PM.
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Re: Stupid mistake with steering linkages
No replacement tie rod or front suspension piece for these cars will come with a nylon lock.
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Re: Stupid mistake with steering linkages
I'm still running factory tie-rods and center link, idler, pitman. no cotter pins. thought it was odd, then I saw this ultra low mile camaro pop up on BoT. it was 1400 miles. Noticed the exact same think, even same nuts on the center link. They are very distinct.
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/19...-28-iroc-z-26/
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/19...-28-iroc-z-26/
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Re: Stupid mistake with steering linkages
Use a castle nut with cotter pin, torque to 35 lb-ft.
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Re: Stupid mistake with steering linkages
Also guess how much the factory worker cared that day.
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T.L. (08-30-2021)
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Re: Stupid mistake with steering linkages
Wait, the kit came with both castle nuts and nylon locks? They must have really good lawyers.
I am very sensitive about this subject because I had a cotter pin fail (old pin sheared off and nut backed off) and I lost steering on the highway. I was in a 1961 Corvair Wagon. I hit the fence pretty hard but survived (homemade seat belt mounts for the win), no thanks to Nader. Anyone who is not running cotter pins needs to give their guardian angel a break and put some in.
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LiquidBlue (08-31-2021)
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Re: Stupid mistake with steering linkages
I don't think they are cotter pin holes. They are some odd pattern in the bolt. I'll get a close up photos when I'm down there next time. Both of my BMW's are not using cotter pins either, they are using Nylock. If you've ever worked on a modern BMW and follow their Technical Information Service manual (TIS), they are extremely precise in their procedures - down to which nuts or bolts need replaced, position of car when torquing, torque increments, stuff like that. I'm sure if they wanted a cotter pin in there, it would be in the TIS. Nothing like an old school 3rd Gen Factory Manual. To clarify - I'm not saying 3rd Gens ever used Nylock, but modern day BMW do. All I'm saying (or actualy wondering) is they didnt put cotter pins in. And thanks again for the warning guys, will quit testing my guardian Angel go get those cotter pins installed! Actually going over to get Liquidblue aligned this morning.
Last edited by LiquidBlue; 08-31-2021 at 08:11 AM.
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Re: Stupid mistake with steering linkages
Not holes. They're locking nuts. The nut is deformed by stamping or punching the nut to deform it, which makes it resist vibrating loose.
Nylon locking nuts are probably an acceptable substitute, but if you're more comfortable with castle nuts and cotter pins or whatever....
Nylon locking nuts are probably an acceptable substitute, but if you're more comfortable with castle nuts and cotter pins or whatever....
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Re: Stupid mistake with steering linkages
It's weird because the inner tie rods that connect to the centre link have castle nuts and pins but the outer tie rods have the solid thread and locking nut?
The threaded part is that long I could put 2 locking nuts on it!
The threaded part is that long I could put 2 locking nuts on it!
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Re: Stupid mistake with steering linkages
Not holes. They're locking nuts. The nut is deformed by stamping or punching the nut to deform it, which makes it resist vibrating loose.
Nylon locking nuts are probably an acceptable substitute, but if you're more comfortable with castle nuts and cotter pins or whatever....
Nylon locking nuts are probably an acceptable substitute, but if you're more comfortable with castle nuts and cotter pins or whatever....
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Re: Stupid mistake with steering linkages
That is what I see on the newer BMW's, not even a hole for a cotter pin if even you wanted to put one in.
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Re: Stupid mistake with steering linkages
Yes, it looks tight back there. If they are too long, I'd get the correct tie-rod end. Is it possible they gave you two outers? Be sure to measure them against old ones next time, sure you figured that out already
That is what I see on the newer BMW's, not even a hole for a cotter pin if even you wanted to put one in.
That is what I see on the newer BMW's, not even a hole for a cotter pin if even you wanted to put one in.
These were all ordered together from Rock Auto, all Mevotech brand. I would of rather went with ac delco but I couldn't get all the stuff shipped to the UK from from same place so the postage was insane. The mevotech stuff had a heart next to it so people obviously buy it
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Re: Stupid mistake with steering linkages
Wait, the kit came with both castle nuts and nylon locks? They must have really good lawyers.
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Re: Stupid mistake with steering linkages
Here's a better pick of the weird bolt. the sides of the bolt are indented or stamped at each face of the head
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Re: Stupid mistake with steering linkages
That doesn't look factory to me.
On our cars, AFAIK they were all cotter pins & castle nuts.
What I'd be worried about with a Nylock is, if for any reason whatsoever the wedge became sufficiently unwedged to allow it to turn, the first thing that would happen is, it would try to back the Nylock off. Can't imagine a Nylock holding up to that for very long. The kind of a locknut with the punched-in places would do better, but still, ...
It's YOUR EFFFFFING LIFE AND THE LIFE OF EVERY PASSENGER IN YOUR CAR AND THE LIFE OF EVERY INNOCENT BYSTANDER. Are you willing to risk THAT over that little 2¢ part? Not me.
There are risks worth taking. IMO a Nylock vs a cotter pin, in that application, is not one that's "worth it".
On our cars, AFAIK they were all cotter pins & castle nuts.
What I'd be worried about with a Nylock is, if for any reason whatsoever the wedge became sufficiently unwedged to allow it to turn, the first thing that would happen is, it would try to back the Nylock off. Can't imagine a Nylock holding up to that for very long. The kind of a locknut with the punched-in places would do better, but still, ...
It's YOUR EFFFFFING LIFE AND THE LIFE OF EVERY PASSENGER IN YOUR CAR AND THE LIFE OF EVERY INNOCENT BYSTANDER. Are you willing to risk THAT over that little 2¢ part? Not me.
There are risks worth taking. IMO a Nylock vs a cotter pin, in that application, is not one that's "worth it".
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Jaysz28 (09-01-2021)
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Re: Stupid mistake with steering linkages
Those locking nuts on the center link are factory. All 3 of my thirdgens still have them and my '83 did also.
As far as nylocs go, well I don't know what BMW was thinking but I wouldn't trust them on my car. They're probably OK for one use under the car (assuming automotive grade, hardened nuts, NO WAY EVER hardware store grade nothing made of cheese), but once you back them off and put them back on that nyloc is doing next to nothing, and they don't work when they get warm either, the nylon gets soft or even melts- it probably wouldn't be a big issue on 3rd gens but on modern cars where those linkages tend to be in warmer, tighter packed places... and unless I have been the only one that has EVER touched the car I'd always be worried that someone re-used the nyloc nut.
As far as nylocs go, well I don't know what BMW was thinking but I wouldn't trust them on my car. They're probably OK for one use under the car (assuming automotive grade, hardened nuts, NO WAY EVER hardware store grade nothing made of cheese), but once you back them off and put them back on that nyloc is doing next to nothing, and they don't work when they get warm either, the nylon gets soft or even melts- it probably wouldn't be a big issue on 3rd gens but on modern cars where those linkages tend to be in warmer, tighter packed places... and unless I have been the only one that has EVER touched the car I'd always be worried that someone re-used the nyloc nut.
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T.L. (09-15-2021)
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Re: Stupid mistake with steering linkages
As far as BMW using nylock, I'd have to go back and see exactly where they use them, I forget. The manual will call for a replacement on many bolts and nuts. You do what they say. don't ask questions. Nylock is used in some places, and "self locking" collar nuts are used in other places.
Here is few types
https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...t/33306787062/
https://www.bimmerworld.com/Suspensi...yABEgKjwPD_BwE
In any regard, I am not advocating their use for 3rd Gens! I was merely pointing out that they are getting used in modern cars. Oh, and yeah, when I had the car aligned by BMW, (who should know better) I brought them new nuts to install anyway!
And yes, I'm pretty damn sure those are factory nuts on the centerlink, as I've owned the car since 1992, and the center link has never been replaced. Nor the tie-rods for that matter. Or any of the steering gear. All factory.
Here is few types
https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...t/33306787062/
https://www.bimmerworld.com/Suspensi...yABEgKjwPD_BwE
In any regard, I am not advocating their use for 3rd Gens! I was merely pointing out that they are getting used in modern cars. Oh, and yeah, when I had the car aligned by BMW, (who should know better) I brought them new nuts to install anyway!
And yes, I'm pretty damn sure those are factory nuts on the centerlink, as I've owned the car since 1992, and the center link has never been replaced. Nor the tie-rods for that matter. Or any of the steering gear. All factory.
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LiquidBlue (09-15-2021)
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Re: Stupid mistake with steering linkages
BTW - been over on another board discussing this with some guys. Interesting lock info starts on page 6, cotter pins included : https://ntrs.nasa.gov/api/citations/...9900009424.pdf
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LiquidBlue (11-28-2021)
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