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Posted by: andys Mar 12 2004, 12:45 PM

Has anyone (Brad?) ever cut a trailing arm apart? I'm wondering if there are any additional structural elements inside, or are they basically two U sections welded together to form a rectangular cross section, and hollow inside. I'm not talking about the pivot point/bushing or the bearing/hub areas, but the section between them.

Thanks,

Andy

Posted by: Mueller Mar 12 2004, 12:47 PM

it's built up sorta like a corragated card board box...it is not 100% hollow inside

Posted by: SirAndy Mar 12 2004, 12:48 PM

rust?

Posted by: Jeffs9146 Mar 12 2004, 06:54 PM

I have a bent one if someone wants to cut it open and see!!

Jeff

Posted by: Racer Chris Mar 17 2004, 10:01 AM

Nothing is inside a trailing arm.
I cut this one open with my plasma cutter yesterday to show you.
This one had the box reinforcement on it, thus the extra thickness on one side.


Attached image(s)

Posted by: agentblr Mar 17 2004, 10:12 AM

I think my rear arm have corn flakes inside them? at least it sounds like when you shake them,this is bad

Posted by: jonwatts Mar 17 2004, 10:17 AM

Uh Chris, was there something wrong with that trailing arm? Cutting up a reinforced trailing arm for demonstration purposes only would be mighty big of you.

Andy was right, there is something inside, rust.

Posted by: majkos Mar 17 2004, 10:30 AM

Why the chop?
"Don't worry be Happy!"
It's St Patty day!

Posted by: andys Mar 17 2004, 11:54 AM

Racer Chris,

Thanks for the fantastic pic....just what I suspected, a simple rectangular section....no big deal. I know I'm pushing it, but what is the stock material (wall) thickness?

Andy

Posted by: Mueller Mar 17 2004, 11:59 AM

damn...then what the heck was I thinking of then???? I must be thinking (or not) of another car or part...thanks for making a liar out me

Posted by: SirAndy Mar 17 2004, 12:41 PM

you were thinking of the later model long in the area under the battery tray.

the later models have "rippled" reinforcements in there ...
Andy

Posted by: Eric_Shea Mar 17 2004, 08:06 PM

Looks like Andy had the answer all along...

Posted by: Racer Chris Mar 18 2004, 06:58 AM

Actually that rust color is plasma cutting residue,which probably will wipe off.
The trailing arm was involved in a high speed impact and had no further usefulness on a car - perfect for an autopsy.
I can check the wall thickness today.

Posted by: Racer Chris Mar 18 2004, 09:49 PM

I measured the metal thickness at .080" or 2mm.

Posted by: andys Mar 19 2004, 10:42 AM

Chris,

A BIG THANKS!!!

Andy