12 replies to this topic

[Petro1head]

Near side rear wheel had a lot more camber and also looks like it has more toe in compared to off side.

I suspect it's hit a kerb at some point.

So what's the likely reason, bent stub axle or bent swinging arm? Any way I can check either

[Icey]

I would be very surprised if you'd managed to bend either of those, I'd be looking at the subframe for deformation if you suspect an impact.

Alternatively, have you checked that the swing arm isn't just worn? If it's very badly worn (either the bushing is burnt through or the bearing has collapsed), alignment will go to pot.

[tiger99]

Also consider that if the stub axle has bent, the bearings will be running out of alignment and will have a very short life, as well as being stiff and lumpy. So I suspect that the stub axle is not bent. The arm may be, but the weakest part is the subframe.

[filski]

I had that problem had an epic wear on the wheels, mine had two contributing reasons, coroded subframe and the rod imbeded itself into the actual radius arm, I was very lucky to notice it as it is really not safe, best thing to do (as tideous as it is is to take radius arm of and check for damage)

[MrBounce]

The only way I have managed to bend a stub axle is to spin on some diesel and hit a kerb at close to 20 mph. You would doubtless know if you'd done this so I would be looking at other causes.

[Tamworthbay]

The only way to work this put is to strip it and check everything. The radius arm is a serious casting so unlikely to bend but nothing is impossible.

[BritishRacingGreen]

I thought the same about radius arms but after a knock into a kerb in the snow last year I was proved wrong. Was a 5-10 mph impact (sideways) if that.

Was bent quite severely but the subframe was untouched. This may not be the OPs problem but don't rule it out.

[Tamworthbay]

I thought the same about radius arms but after a knock into a kerb in the snow last year I was proved wrong. Was a 5-10 mph impact (sideways) if that.
Was bent quite severely but the subframe was untouched. This may not be the OPs problem but don't rule it out.

Very interesting, looking at the shape and thickness of the casting it looks like the last bit that would bend when you compare it to the subframe mounts. Did you take any pics by any chance? It would be interesting to see exactly where it bent.

[carbon]

Like Mr Bounce and BRG I have also managed to bend stub axle / rear radius arm in the past by spinning into kerb at relatively low speed.

 

I just replaced the complete radius arm on that side with a good one, problem sorted.

[Petro1head]

I would be very surprised if you'd managed to bend either of those, I'd be looking at the subframe for deformation if you suspect an impact.

Alternatively, have you checked that the swing arm isn't just worn? If it's very badly worn (either the bushing is burnt through or the bearing has collapsed), alignment will go to pot.

There seems to be no play in the bush

 

The only way I have managed to bend a stub axle is to spin on some diesel and hit a kerb at close to 20 mph. You would doubtless know if you'd done this so I would be looking at other causes.

Well not by me however its been like that since I bought it so the previous owner may have done it

Edited by Petro1head, 13 December 2013 - 06:30 PM.

[Icey]

The only way I have managed to bend a stub axle is to spin on some diesel and hit a kerb at close to 20 mph. You would doubtless know if you'd done this so I would be looking at other causes.

 

As has been said, it would be good to see a picture of a bent radius arm! Being cast I'd have fully expected them to crack rather than bend, it'll be really interesting to know where the weakness is.

[MrBounce]

Wasn't the radius arm itself that bent but the stub axle on which the hub sits. Plus I did it 17 years ago so no pictures I am afraid.

I had it replaced by a garage (didn't have the ability or tools to replace it myself back then) and they were able to exchange it without issue. I remember the wheel having about 10 degrees of positive camber!

[tiger99]

The arm is cast steel, not cast iron, so is about as ductile as any other form of mild steel, and will bend without cracking. Cast iron, as you will know, is brittle, and highly inappropriate for suspension components!

 

Can't definitely say that it definitely is bent of course, but it certainly is possible. Looking at the shape, a hard impact sideways on the wheel near ground level would be likely to twist the arm, especially near the hub end, and cause positive camber, while an impact higher up would tend to bend it throughout its length and cause a toe change.