schnorr washer question, trailing arm bearing bolts - use lock washers? Options

[burlybryan]

I've refurbished my trailing arms/bearing and the schnorr washers are pretty worn and I don't think they should be reused. Any reason I can't use common lock washers here?

[Superhawk996]

Ah, I think those 3 were originally split ring lock washers on some early cars and later on were superseded by Schnorr. I’ve certainly disassembled cars with just a split ring washer there.

However, would stick with Schnorr’s. They will actually help prevent movement which a standard split ring lock washer will not. The Schnorr is a much better solution.

[burlybryan]

Ah, I think those 3 were originally split ring lock washers on some early cars and later on were superseded by Schnorr. I’ve certainly disassembled cars with just a split ring washer there.

However, would stick with Schnorr’s. They will actually help prevent movement which a standard split ring lock washer will not. The Schnorr is a much better solution.

I agree but they're impossible to find in a physical store. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/headbang.gif)

[Superhawk996]

Ah, I think those 3 were originally split ring lock washers on some early cars and later on were superseded by Schnorr. I’ve certainly disassembled cars with just a split ring washer there.

However, would stick with Schnorr’s. They will actually help prevent movement which a standard split ring lock washer will not. The Schnorr is a much better solution.

I agree but they're impossible to find in a physical store. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/headbang.gif)

Yeah. Belmetric is your friend. Local Granger or McMaster might have them in stock. Or local fastener supply if you have one but agree you won’t find at most hardware stores.

I order them in bulk and keep on hand. Piece price is cheap. I routinely ditch split rings for Schnorr anywhere that mild surface damage from the serrations isn’t an issue. Split rings literally do nothing and weigh more to boot. Utterly useless.

If you’re in a pinch to a deadline, I’d assemble with either a flat washer or split washer and then I’d go back after and replace one at a time with Schnorr. Retorque one at a time so nothing shifts.