A-frame shaft wear tolerance?

[TWINRAY]

I took my shafts out of the control arm and noticed that they are not a snug fit in the new control arm bushings. The bushing spins but I don't notice any side to side play. Am I correct to assume this is OK? I'm just talking about the shaft going into the bushing and not the bushing going into the C/A.

 

[JohnZ]

That's OK - when you tighten the end bolts, that traps the ends of the inner steel sleeve in the bushing, which is serrated at both ends, against the upset on the shaft at one end and the big washer on the other end. Functionally, the inner sleeve is then locked in place and doesn't move relative to the shaft; all rotational movement of the control arm relative to the inner sleeve takes place in the bushing rubber, which is bonded to both the inner and outer sleeves. This is not the case with poly bushings, but they're junk anyway.

Don't tighten the end bolts on the shaft until the car is on its tires at normal ride height, or you'll pre-load and ruin the bushings; they're designed to be in a completely "neutral" free state at normal ride height.

 

[TWINRAY]

That's OK - when you tighten the end bolts, that traps the ends of the inner steel sleeve in the bushing, which is serrated at both ends, against the upset on the shaft at one end and the big washer on the other end. Functionally, the inner sleeve is then locked in place and doesn't move relative to the shaft; all rotational movement of the control arm relative to the inner sleeve takes place in the bushing rubber, which is bonded to both the inner and outer sleeves. This is not the case with poly bushings, but they're junk anyway.

Don't tighten the end bolts on the shaft until the car is on its tires at normal ride height, or you'll pre-load and ruin the bushings; they're designed to be in a completely "neutral" free state at normal ride height.

Thanks again John. Good thing I didn't mention they are poly bushings.
Got them because I wanted to see if all the negative comments are for real. And , Corvette Mikey, you need not reply.
Save the wave, Fred

 

[mrvette]

NOT a thing in the world matter with poly bushings, have them on my car for about ten years now.....no problems, not even squeeking....

sway bar, another story though...about once a year had to grease the bushings....

GENE