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Posted by: jonwatts Mar 15 2004, 09:50 AM

[BLATANT_BUTT_KISSING]

I had a deadline to get the suspension done on my car so that it could roll to http://www.tcdesignfab.com for a custom engine mount this morning. I had HPH install Mueller's front and rear roller bearings because I didn't want to screw the pooch on this one. Brad wasn't happy with what it took to install the front bearing sleeves so HE HAD A MACHINIST MAKE HIM A SPECIAL TOOL to help with the procedure. I don't quite consider that "above and beyond" since it was necessary to get the job done.

"Above and beyond" is when Brad came over on Sunday while he was trying to enjoy something of a day off with his wife and help me install the suspension so I'd be ready for this morning. He lives like 2 hours north of me. He brought the special 4-pin tool for tightening ball-joint nuts so I wouldn't destroy mine with vice grips. He helped me get past little hurdles associated with assembling powder coated parts because the powder changes the tolerance of pieces that used to slide right on. I didn't have a dead-blow hammer so he used wood blocks and punches so he wouldn't scratch, bend, or mutilate my pretty yellow pieces. In short, he knows what he's doing when most of us just think we do; and he saved me a lot of aggravation. What does "above and beyond" cost? In this case it was a few pieces of pizza and a 12-pack of Pepsi. Brad (like a lot of us) is mostly just happy and excited to see people making progress on their cars.

I'm glad that their honesty was recently questioned because, while I always thank them for going the extra mile I rarely do it publicly.

I'll post a few pictures when the car is up on the trailer in a few hours.

[/BLATANT_BUTT_KISSING]

PS - Brad I know you're reading this. Now that your ego is fully inflated can you remember to get that Fluidyne part number for me? Thanks.

Posted by: J P Stein Mar 15 2004, 12:12 PM

This looks like a good place to post my limited experience with the needle brgs....thanx, Jon

My only difficulty is I made so many changes that I can't pin point any one factor. I can say that the car is MUCH better at flowing over the bumps on the goat path that pass for a road in front of my house.

I already had the front brgs in and did the rears this winter. To that I added 225lb (up from 200)rear springs and AX valved shocks from Bilstein. The ride over the bumps is remarkable....not plush, you understand, but follows the bumps with skittering over them as it used to do..no "jiggilys"...and NO SQUEEKS.
Some of that is the shocks. They *seem* not be over powered by the springs any more.

Since our AX venue is not quite as rough as my road,
I think this is gonna work out just fine.

Now, if I can figure out why there is excessive (to me) end play in my axles.....brand new SKF wheel brgs, I'll be a happy camper.....should have held out for the FAGs....that would be a bearing manuf.

Posted by: Scott Carlberg Mar 15 2004, 02:09 PM

(for the butt-kissing)

Posted by: thesey914 Mar 15 2004, 02:30 PM

Not the homosexuals then?

Posted by: Qarl Mar 15 2004, 02:47 PM

What have you all done for "sealing" the bearings from the elements?

I installed RTV to the exposed areas with the A-arms installed in the neutral position (i.e., as they would be in the car at rest).

I do find that if you rotate the bearing mounts significantly, the RTV tears or cracks.

Can anyone post pics of they sealed the bearings?

Thanks!

Posted by: Mueller Mar 15 2004, 03:15 PM

Corral,

I'm in the process of having rubber "booties" made for the a-arms...at considerable cost to me (~500 per mold, need one for front and one for rear of A-arms)

Zerk fittings might also be molded into the rubber piece.


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Posted by: brant Mar 15 2004, 03:19 PM

Mike,

make these a stand alone item for sale...
keep us updated when they are ready..
I want a set.
brant

Posted by: J P Stein Mar 15 2004, 03:22 PM

That would be correct.

Youz' guys are predictable.

Posted by: jonwatts Mar 15 2004, 03:35 PM

Ok so I didn't remember the camera until I was on the road. I'll make up for it by getting pictures of the underside of the car while it's on the lift with engine installed.

I'm holding out for Mike's booties. Hopefully it's not just a scam to get me to hold his booty.

Also, apologies in my previous post for calling Brad a special tool, even tho he is one

Posted by: Qarl Mar 15 2004, 03:40 PM

I used some 3" shrink-wrap for the rear bearings of the A-arms and it worked good.

For the front, i'm having problems getting it to work without the shrink-wrap tearing. I will post some pictures tonight.

Later!

Posted by: Qarl Mar 15 2004, 05:18 PM

Here is the 3" 3M shinkwrap before....


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Posted by: Qarl Mar 15 2004, 05:18 PM

And after...


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Posted by: TimT Mar 15 2004, 05:29 PM

Awwwwwwww man now you are putting condoms on our cars!!!

Posted by: Jeffs9146 Mar 15 2004, 05:29 PM

I can see the rust forming now!!

I guess you will have to remove, clean and regrease yearly!?

Wouldn't a Zirt fitting help avoid this problem?

Jeff

Posted by: TimT Mar 15 2004, 05:30 PM

Karl, seriously thats a great idea... maybe dont use so much heat and leave the heat shrink a bit loose?

Posted by: Qarl Mar 15 2004, 05:41 PM

The rears are fine, it's the front. Unfortunately, the exposed area isn't as cleanly exposed as the rears. It's right next to the mouting bolt through-flange.

You have to cut the tubing to slip over and around the mounting bolt through-flange and that's where the tear occurs.

Plus... the 3 inch tubing just barely fits around everything... and just barely shrinks enough to close around the exposed bearing.

I think I need to experiment with the size and shape of the opening.

Maybe I'll fool aroudn tonight with my suspension bearing condoms....

Posted by: ChrisReale Mar 15 2004, 05:46 PM

Grease the bearings with boat trailer grease. ya know, the kind that is made to be submerged in salt water?

Posted by: Doug Leggins Mar 15 2004, 06:47 PM

The shrink wrap looks like a good idea. Thanks for sharing. - New balance 608s ... on my 3rd pair.

Mike - any idea on timing for the new parts?

Posted by: Qarl Mar 15 2004, 07:05 PM

Yes, definitely use the boat bearing grease.

And then the RTV. But since the RTV can crack or tear, you need something to keep the sand and grid out...

Hence the shrinkwrap or Mueller's rubber thingies.

Oh... New Balance 608s... I think I go through about 4-5 pair a year. It's pretty much all I wear.

Posted by: ChrisReale Mar 15 2004, 07:52 PM

I prefer the old 999's. Pricey but they last me a few years a pair.

Posted by: Qarl Mar 15 2004, 08:57 PM

After applying a little grease inside, I get the 3" tubing to just fit around the asembly...Unfortunately, once shrunk it tore



This method involves cutting holes for the mounting tabs.



The end result... It probably works..but I'm just not as happy as the other end



Here it is from the front. Unfortunately, the 3" shrinks to around 2 inches, and the front diamter is about 1.25" so there is some gap here...



The other end isn't too pad, but I fee water would get in there and probably stay there.



Just seeing if the skid covers would still fit... yes (upside down)