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Front Upper Arm Fitting Issues

suspension

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#1 StuM

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Posted 26 October 2016 - 11:24 PM

Hi All,

 

I'm having a bit of an issue trying to put together the front suspension on my 1977 Clubby.  When fitting the upper arms into the subframe, it is a really tight squeeze to get in.  When I eventually get it in, the rubber seal is crushed.

 

Here is the 'rear':

 

29956094894_3def9513c2_z.jpg

 

And the front:

 

30499969941_a71c9dc184_z.jpg

Note that the rubber seal is crushed and out of shape.

 

Looking at this last image, I fitted it without the rubber seal at the front and you can see the space left - not a lot. I've rested the seal on top just to demonstrate the difference.

 

29956091404_0da3bab669_z.jpg

 

Have I got this all wrong?  Does the seal fit another way?  Maybe it is supposed to sit in the hole in the subframe?

 

Thanks for any guidance that you can offer.  I had similar at the back of the car when doing the radius arms - the inboard seal got squashed.

 

Cheers,

Stu

 

 

 

 



#2 59 Speed

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Posted 26 October 2016 - 11:51 PM

Can't make out from the pictures, but are you using the correct washers?

Parts 19 & 20:
http://www.minispare...s.aspx?2~15~131

Use this to check you are assembling it correctly.

Hope this helps.
Ian

#3 nicklouse

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Posted 27 October 2016 - 12:08 AM

Looks arse over tit.

The washers are two thicknesses. Thick to the front. The smaller diameter of the washer towards the arm.

Fit arm with rear washer and seal in place. Front seal pushed over the arm. Easy fit.

Thick washer on the shaft inserted fron the engine bay. Tighten plate down. Roll seal over the gap between washer and arm.

Check your Haynes.

#4 StuM

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Posted 27 October 2016 - 06:27 AM

Thanks chaps - you're right, thrust washers are the wrong way round.

Rookie error.

#5 KEV@POWARTEK

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Posted 15 July 2017 - 06:38 PM

Guys, I'm having similar issues however I've got washers in correct order, but should the thicker front washer sit flush? If it doesn't, then the plate isn't flush with subframe. Help!

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#6 cian

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Posted 15 July 2017 - 07:47 PM

Tighten the nuts on either end and the washer should pull flush

#7 wile e coyote

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Posted 15 July 2017 - 09:04 PM

It's a bloody tight fit - but if you take a mo to consider things - it should be!! The rubber seal is a pig to fit - always seems too wide! but what always works for me is a couple of turns of electrical tape around it - just hold in place whilst fitting ......it's easy to pinch it in the frame if not - no real harm if you do but nice to get it in properly...



#8 KEV@POWARTEK

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Posted 15 July 2017 - 09:43 PM

Thanks guys. I'll get back on it tomorrow. Problem I've got I I've had the car in bits for past 10 years......forgotten how it goes back together.

#9 KEV@POWARTEK

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Posted 16 July 2017 - 12:55 PM

Still struggling with this, all in but washer won't sit flush even when held in without arm. See picture. This leaves approx 4mm gap between frame and retainer plate.

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#10 KEV@POWARTEK

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Posted 16 July 2017 - 12:58 PM

Attached File  1500209817435.jpg   51.66K   44 downloads

#11 nicklouse

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Posted 16 July 2017 - 01:03 PM

So you should have two thin washers and two thick washers. Thin on the back and thick on the front.

Is this correct and checked?

#12 Rorf

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Posted 16 July 2017 - 01:16 PM

also that rubber boot needs to be fitted over the nylon knuckle cap.

 

Maybe the powder coating has made the hole slightly smaller?


Edited by Rorf, 16 July 2017 - 01:18 PM.


#13 59 Speed

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Posted 16 July 2017 - 04:58 PM

Maybe the powder coating has made the hole slightly smaller?

 

+1



#14 KEV@POWARTEK

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Posted 16 July 2017 - 07:19 PM

Thanks guys, I'll give the hole a run with a file and test fit the thrust washer so it sits flush.

#15 KEV@POWARTEK

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Posted 17 July 2017 - 06:31 PM

Thanks all. Ran a file through the hole to take powder coat off and fits like a glove.
Cheers.





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