Bolt strength- SAE vs METRIC

Subscribe
Sep 3, 2003 | 05:53 PM
  #1  
Hey guys-

I'm in the process of changing my control arm bushings, and I snapped one of the bolts while removing it. It says 10.9 on the head of the bolt. I have another one laying around that is the same diameter and length, but it has 6 dashes on the head, which is a grade 8 if I remember right. Am I safe to replace the 10.9 with the grade 8 bolt? This is something where it really wouldn't be safe to just see if it works

Thanks for the help guys
Reply 0
Sep 3, 2003 | 06:29 PM
  #2  
Grade 8 is fine for that application. Actually stronger than a 10.9.
Reply 0
Sep 3, 2003 | 06:54 PM
  #3  
awesome, you just saved me alot of grief

Matt
Reply 0
Sep 4, 2003 | 05:47 AM
  #4  
you wouldn't want to use a hardwear store bolt ,the bolts on most if not all of the suspension parts have a sholder on them to locate and center the bolt. a common bolt from a hardwear store wouldn't. go to gm parts and buy the bolt you need.
Reply 0
Sep 4, 2003 | 06:00 AM
  #5  
Hope i am not too late. Yes 10.9 is comparable to Gr8, but make sure that the bolt is the same type. If the original had a shoulder, find one with a shoulder. You don't want the bushing material rotating on the threaded portion of the bolt; it will wear out considerably quicker. Also, GM uses serated washer head bolts on many parts. This serated washer head eliminates the need for a lock washer. Make sure the bolt you have has the serations. Considering the application, I would try to find a bolt that matched the original. Even if you have to pay a whole dollar for it, do it.
Reply 0
Sep 4, 2003 | 11:46 AM
  #6  
Thanks for pointing out the shoulder on the bolt, it's so slight I didn't even notice it. The big thing with me not wanting to find another, is that I thought it would be a huge pain in the *** trying to locate an exact match. Spending the WHOLE dollar isn't so much the issue

I guess I'm off to the dealer

Matt
Reply 0
Subscribe