Front Suspension Shims

speed220mph · #1 (**permalink**) 11-13-2006, 10:20 AM

Anyone ever have this happen . . . and fix the problem?

Took my ERA GT out for a ride last week and noticed the steering wheel was off center. Upon returning I also noticed an alignment shim laying in the driveway.

Putting two and two together, I flipped up the front end and, whoa, all shims were missing from the front of both right-side upper control-arm pivots! There was the reason for the misaligned steering wheel. Wierd because the car didn't pull. Caster had to be off.

Back to the problem: I guess what happened is the pivot bolts loosen just enough to reduce the clamping load on the shims which allowed them to fall out. I now wonder how the shims are clamped between two solid flanges. And from a practical standpoint, I'm also wondering how I can install new shims, then get an Allen wrench into a tight area to loosen and retighten the pivot bolt so they will retain the new shims. Realignment will have to be done. Too bad. It was spot on.

Any suggestions on tools and techniques?

Pantera1889 · #2 (**permalink**) 11-13-2006, 04:42 PM

Can you post some pictures?
Ron

speed220mph · #3 (**permalink**) 11-13-2006, 05:46 PM

Here's a closeup of the front pivot less shims on the back side. Rear pivot looks the same. I'll post an overall picture, too.

Guess what I'll do is loosen the pivot bolts, fit the shims in real tight, then secure the bolts. I'll have to saw off a short section of hex to fit the socket-head bolt and use a box-end wrench to loosen and tighten bolts. Next stop will be the alignment rack to see where the steering wheel, caster and toe ended up.

speed220mph · #4 (**permalink**) 11-13-2006, 05:57 PM

Ron: Here's another try with the pictures:

Jim Holden · #5 (**permalink**) 11-15-2006, 11:13 AM

Two thoughts:

Post this over on the ERA area so that Bob Putnam is sure to see it or

Call Teddy up at ERA R&D 860-225-6344. It may take him a while to answer so keep trying. Teddy puts the GTs together in his sleep.

Jim

speed220mph · #6 (**permalink**) 11-16-2006, 06:18 AM

Thanks Jim. Got all the info I needed from Bob. Evidently the car was aligned by somone who didn't use ERA's recommendations on securing the shims, i.e., with cotter pins. They also left out the thrust washers, which allowed the bushing to be abraded, opening up thrust clearance.

As you say, Ted can put these cars together in his sleep. I just hate to bother him. But when I'm in a bind . . .

Thanks again.