Loctite and the suspension assembly

[Jeff Honeyman]

I'm starting to reassemble the suspension after cleaning up the chassis and have a simple question.

Do you apply loctite to the threads into the aluminum control arms on the heim joints, upper front ball joint and rear trailing rods or just the jamb nuts? I assume you leave the threads into the aluminum clean because they are adjustable.

 

[Randy V]

I'd either put teflon thread sealant on the threads or anti-seize...

The Teflon sealant will keep moisture out and it doesn't harden to the point of locking threads.

Anti-Seize is usually used in any thread interfaces of steel / aluminum to keep the threads from galling when adjustments are made.

I would not use any sort of loc-tite on the threads myself - others may certainly have different vantage points..

 

[Jack]

I'm using an anti seize compound. Also safety wiring critical nuts. Locktite blue shouldn't hurt either (but not together with anti-seize).. For you LS engine guy's, the valve cover bolts tend to loosten up with vibration (solid mounts) so a dab of blue there will suffice.

 

[Neal]

Mark you fasteners with a paint pen. It's any easy way to see if fasteners have shifted.

 

[Jack]

I will typically mark fasteners with a marker (single slash mark) as they are snugged up, and finish by another slash mark to make an "X" after final torque with one leg of the mark extending on to the component. It's a good idea, and you can see at a glance if something has moved.

 

[Randy V]

I will typically mark fasteners with a marker (single slash mark) as they are snugged up, and finish by another slash mark to make an "X" after final torque with one leg of the mark extending on to the component. It's a good idea, and you can see at a glance if something has moved.

Precisely the method I have used for a lot of years now on all the machines I've built / worked on...

Also - When going through a Nut-n-bolt session, I will put a third slash through the X if it checks good (tight) and a circle if I needed to tighten it.. The next time through if the circled one is loose - again - it's time to come apart to see why...

 

[Jack]

Good advise Randy. I usually skip the circle, never thought of that before. Makes good sense to me!

 

[J. Salmon]

I think I have loctite circulating in my bloodstream...