Straighten a bent trailing arm?, Can't align to within spec, Driver's rear measures bent Options

[rnellums]

Hey all,

I've got some issues aligning my flared 914. With the drivers rear at the limit of travel I'm still quite a bit toe out. Measurements of the hub-pivot distance are a bit longer on the drivers vs. the passenger rear.

the bend isn't visually noticeable, but its there. Has anyone had luck trueing it up or should I just find another trailing arm and move on?

Thanks!
-Ross

[jkb944t]

Hey all,

I've got some issues aligning my flared 914. With the drivers rear at the limit of travel I'm still quite a bit toe out. Measurements of the hub-pivot distance are a bit longer on the drivers vs. the passenger rear.

the bend isn't visually noticeable, but its there. Has anyone had luck trueing it up or should I just find another trailing arm and move on?

Thanks!
-Ross

I would think it would be easier, cheaper and faster to just get another used control arm if it is in fact bent.

I would also check the inner control arm mount to make sure it is in the right location and is not cracked.

Jeff B

[TravisNeff]

I think TangeringeRacing (RacerChris) can help you out with that. Or roll the dice on a used one and hope it's not bent either.

[rnellums]

Hey all,

I've got some issues aligning my flared 914. With the drivers rear at the limit of travel I'm still quite a bit toe out. Measurements of the hub-pivot distance are a bit longer on the drivers vs. the passenger rear.

the bend isn't visually noticeable, but its there. Has anyone had luck trueing it up or should I just find another trailing arm and move on?

Thanks!
-Ross

I would think it would be easier, cheaper and faster to just get another used control arm if it is in fact bent.

I would also check the inner control arm mount to make sure it is in the right location and is not cracked.

Jeff B

Easier - maybe, but ill have to swap over the hub, my polybronze bushings, and the bearings (if I can save them)

Cheaper - maybe, but I'd have the cost of a new arm and shipping, likely a new rear bearing, potentially new polybronze bushings. it definitely adds up.

Faster - agreed.

I just had the suspension off and the inner mounts are good (and have additional bracing welded on). always a good idea to check though!

I think TangeringeRacing (RacerChris) can help you out with that. Or roll the dice on a used one and hope it's not bent either.

That was kind of my thinking. there is a decent chance I buy and arm and it arrives bent too. Probably ought to give Chris a call.

[jcd914]

The general industry opinion is that bent suspension component should not be straightened.
The concern is that the original bend weakens the component and straightening it weakens it more. So pretty much no shop will straighten a bent suspension component due to liability
Tangerine Racing cuts and re-enforces the rear arms and uses a jig so they are straight when complete. I don't think they straighten bent arms but they will tell you what can be done.

Used arms are available but you can't really tell if they are straight until you try to align the car, unless you have access to a jig.

Jim

[jd74914]

I think TangeringeRacing (RacerChris) can help you out with that. Or roll the dice on a used one and hope it's not bent either.

That was kind of my thinking. there is a decent chance I buy and arm and it arrives bent too. Probably ought to give Chris a call.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif) Chris can likely sell you a known straight arm at the least since he has jigging to check.

[ChrisFoley]

I think TangeringeRacing (RacerChris) can help you out with that. Or roll the dice on a used one and hope it's not bent either.

That was kind of my thinking. there is a decent chance I buy and arm and it arrives bent too. Probably ought to give Chris a call.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif) Chris can likely sell you a known straight arm at the least since he has jigging to check.

I don't have any spares. They aren't hard to measure as long as you have a way to secure a pivot shaft elevated 6" above a work surface and perfectly level.

[guywan914]

I think TangeringeRacing (RacerChris) can help you out with that. Or roll the dice on a used one and hope it's not bent either.

That was kind of my thinking. there is a decent chance I buy and arm and it arrives bent too. Probably ought to give Chris a call.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif) Chris can likely sell you a known straight arm at the least since he has jigging to check.

I don't have any spares. They aren't hard to measure as long as you have a way to secure a pivot shaft elevated 6" above a work surface and perfectly level.

I have three that I could drop off to Chris if you wanted to have him check them. Which side do you need?

[SirAndy]

Many years ago someone had made a jig to quickly drop them in and check for bendage. I even remember a detailed diagram with all the measurements.

But of course now i can't find either here ...
(IMG:style_emoticons/default/dry.gif)

[mepstein]

Many years ago someone had made a jig to quickly drop them in and check for bendage. I even remember a detailed diagram with all the measurements.

But of course now i can't find either here ...
(IMG:style_emoticons/default/dry.gif)

I would think that one or two basic measurements would get you close to knowing if they are good or not.

[doug_b_928]

Further to the posts above, can anyone provide the procedure and measurements for checking their trailing arms? I need to check mine prior to restoring them (or replacing if they are bent).

[rnellums]

I think TangeringeRacing (RacerChris) can help you out with that. Or roll the dice on a used one and hope it's not bent either.

That was kind of my thinking. there is a decent chance I buy and arm and it arrives bent too. Probably ought to give Chris a call.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif) Chris can likely sell you a known straight arm at the least since he has jigging to check.

I don't have any spares. They aren't hard to measure as long as you have a way to secure a pivot shaft elevated 6" above a work surface and perfectly level.

I have three that I could drop off to Chris if you wanted to have him check them. Which side do you need?

Drivers side if you have one!

Don’t know how I missed your reply, sorry for the delay!!

Many years ago someone had made a jig to quickly drop them in and check for bendage. I even remember a detailed diagram with all the measurements.

But of course now i can't find either here ...
(IMG:style_emoticons/default/dry.gif)

I would think that one or two basic measurements would get you close to knowing if they are good or not.

I measured from the pivot point to the center of the axle hub. The right side measured 1/4 inch further than the passenger. I want to say I found a thread that suggested they be 405mm? My measurements weren’t precise, but Close enough to see a difference.