GT Spec Rear Braces: Bolts Too Short
02-27-2007, 03:47 PM
#1
GT Spec Rear Braces: Bolts Too Short
I bought the GT Spec Rear lateral arm brace and rear tie braces. I took the car to the shop, and it turns out that the OEM bolts are way too short to safely accomodate the bars.
Only about 2 or 3 threads could be used before running out of length on the factory bolt. That left 1/2 of the inside of the nut visible, and the mechanic advised that I not try that.
Is it common practice that you have to get longer bolts to install the braces?
Only about 2 or 3 threads could be used before running out of length on the factory bolt. That left 1/2 of the inside of the nut visible, and the mechanic advised that I not try that.
Is it common practice that you have to get longer bolts to install the braces?
01-05-2008, 05:45 AM
#3
Anyone had the problem with the OEM bolts being too short to safely install the SPEC rear tie bar and lateral arm brace?
I've done many searches, and in all of the pictures I've seen, it looks as if, even without the tie bar installed, the end of the bolt barely extends to meet the end of the factory Toe Bolt.
I was also wondering if the braces interfere with adjustment of the alignment.
I've done many searches, and in all of the pictures I've seen, it looks as if, even without the tie bar installed, the end of the bolt barely extends to meet the end of the factory Toe Bolt.
I was also wondering if the braces interfere with adjustment of the alignment.
01-05-2008, 05:50 AM
#4
Prodigal Son
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Wow..this is an old post..lol..Did you call GT Spec to inquire. I would call and see if they could recommend the proper size if the kit didnt come with the brace. Good luck and let us know what you find out.
01-05-2008, 06:38 AM
#5
Neither the rear tie bar kit or the lateral brace kit came with bolts, since you are supposed to re-use the OEM bolts. I did call and email GT Spec, repeatedly.
For awhile they said they were researching the length of similar bolts on other Nissan models to find longer ones, but I never got resolution from them. Every few months I inquire again. GT Spec claimed this was a new issue they had not seen before.
Seems to me that you wouldn't want to be driving around with only a few bolt threads holding the rear suspension together.
For awhile they said they were researching the length of similar bolts on other Nissan models to find longer ones, but I never got resolution from them. Every few months I inquire again. GT Spec claimed this was a new issue they had not seen before.
Seems to me that you wouldn't want to be driving around with only a few bolt threads holding the rear suspension together.
Last edited by NCPG; 01-05-2008 at 06:43 AM.
01-05-2008, 06:42 AM
#6
Prodigal Son
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LOL..true, very true. Have you tried taking one of the bolts to NAPA or another parts store to see if they can get a longer one? Where are you from in NC?
01-05-2008, 06:51 AM
#7
I have talked to the dealership here in Charlotte, but they had no ideas. I think that the bolts are special items. I know the nut has welded-on eccentric washer, for suspension adjustment.
There is a Toe adjustment kit with replacement bolts, but I don't know if they're any longer than the OEM bolts. I haven't lowered the car, so that install would be an extreme measure just to fix this problem.
There is a Toe adjustment kit with replacement bolts, but I don't know if they're any longer than the OEM bolts. I haven't lowered the car, so that install would be an extreme measure just to fix this problem.
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01-05-2008, 06:55 AM
#8
Prodigal Son
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yea thats above my skill level lol I used to live in Monroe, was a paramedic there for a while before moving back to the beach.. I LOVE Charlotte. My ex wife lives there..she was from Matthews.
Man i wish you the best.
Man i wish you the best.
01-14-2008, 03:50 AM
#12
Originally Posted by jining
yes mines exactly same as urs lol... does your nut get all the way on the bolt? did you use the washers they provided?
Just sounds really bad. Everything fits fine with washers. I think I torqued mine down also. Its been a couple months since I installed it.
01-14-2008, 04:00 AM
#14
I don't recall how many threads I was able to use. However I did do a track day after installing w/o any problems. If it really worries you I suggest get two new bolts from Lowes/Home Depot. Bring the nut with you to make sure the new bolt has the same thread pattern.
01-14-2008, 03:33 PM
#16
Robert: Mine looked just like yours, in the pictures you posted. Even without the washer, there didn't seem to be enough thread engagement. I'm not a mechanical engineer, so I didn't try to calculate the required minimum thread engagement. However, since the mechanic advised against leaving it that way, I agreed.
Last edited by NCPG; 01-14-2008 at 04:00 PM.
01-15-2008, 09:18 AM
#17
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Minimum thread is easy: as much as the diameter of the bolt. For example, a 8mm bolt with 1.25mm pitch threads needs 8/1.25 or 6.4 turns. M12x1.75 needs 12/1.75 or 6.8 turns. Measure the bolt and you'll know. It also tends to be the thickness of the nut.
Don't even think about using bolts you buy at Lowes or the Despot in your suspension. Just don't. You can buy real bolts from places like Pegasus or McMaster-Carr. Those are no ordinary bolts holding your suspension on.
Asterix
Don't even think about using bolts you buy at Lowes or the Despot in your suspension. Just don't. You can buy real bolts from places like Pegasus or McMaster-Carr. Those are no ordinary bolts holding your suspension on.
Asterix
Last edited by Asterix; 01-15-2008 at 04:49 PM.
01-15-2008, 09:03 PM
#20
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Originally Posted by Asterix
Don't even think about using bolts you buy at Lowes or the Despot in your suspension. Just don't. You can buy real bolts from places like Pegasus or McMaster-Carr. Those are no ordinary bolts holding your suspension on.
Asterix
Asterix