Radius rod to chasis bushes and washers

[jackvanlawick]

Hey guys,

Just a quick question.

I installed a new k frame on my car after being in an accident and bending my old one.

The only thing is I have forgotten to put a washer on the back of the bushes attaching the radius rod to the k frame. I have the front washer on but was told not to worry about the back as it would adjust the camber.

I'm not to sure though.. Without the washer wouldn't this mean the radius rod wouldn't sit right on the inside and could cause the bushing to pop out of place or something along those lines?

As you can see in the picture I have grabbed off the net. My setup goes as such..


radius rod attached to k frame - bushing - washer - nut

[Jxw]

pull it apart and put it in, really won't take long, worst case the castor rod will work it's way through the middle of the bush under braking (not instantly but over time it may).. it is there for a reason and needs to be installed.

[Not_An_Abba_Fan]

As above, but while braking in reverse, as when braking while driving forwards, the wheel goes backwards, not forwards. The rod will pop through the bush.

[Jxw]

aww, it sounded more dramatic how i said it :P

[hi_ryder]

i just got done doing a full nolathane upgrade to my calais. dont leave out any washers, they are there for a reason... last thing you want is an on road mechanical failure of some sort.... dont be one of those guys that throws a hand full of nuts and bolts behind him after a restoration lol....

[mr calais 5.0]

As hi_ryder said its there for a reason..

Hey hi_ryder did the full nolathane upgrade make the front end more bumpier or stiffer?

[hi_ryder]

ive finished the front, just waiting on the stabiliser "D" bushes coming in the post, when the car is back on the ground ill let you know.... ive done monroe gt gas struts in the front too. with 350,000 + k's on the car im just glad to get rid of all the noises. ive heard people say stiffer and others say no difference at all... ill have to see for myself

[jackvanlawick]

What size washers do i use? I seem to have mixed them up with a pile of others I have.
I rang holden and the spare parts guy said they rear and front washers are not the same size for the castor rod to subframe bushing. So i'm confused as to which ones i should use. Might just order some new ones as he said they are only $4 each.

[hi_ryder]

i always take off one side at a time that way i have a reference point if my mind starts playing tricks on me. also when i took off the castor rods i layed out the nuts and washers in the order they come off. once they were out i slipped on the washers and hand screwed the nuts back on also so i wouldnt mess up the order.

ok so one washer has a hole diameter that only fits over that plug style nut thats like 22 or 24mm. theres 2 big ones that bolt on over the k frame bushes. you just have to match up the other 4 which shouldnt be too hard... sucks too cause i had mine all apart like 2 days ago could have taken pics for you...

[Jxw]

smaller diameter/flatter washer is on the back/hidden part, larger washer(slightly dished) goes on the front with the nut, for that price i'd replace them with new ones as they do tend to have a buildup of rust and old rubber on them that will only chew out the new bushes.

this is from a vl same as vn/vp nuts and washers are set out in order from front to back.

[jackvanlawick]

Thank you so much guys. I ended up going to a commodore second hand shop and looking at one with the washers attached still. The guy there said i could have the washers just incase mine were rusted.

All well now, just need a wheel alignment and my car will feel alot smoother to drive.

Anyone able to help me with my other thread? The one about my high idle revs...