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?

 

anyone?

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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?

 

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.

 

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.

 

any updates? Just installed the rear tie bar and rear lat bar and I also notice the bolts seem a little short. I used the provided washers also, which doesnt help the situation... but im sure they are necessary.

 

Not saying you're an idiot ut make sure you don't have it backwards. The bolts on the inside of the brace. Pics attached of my rear tie brace. And if still doesn't fit, run by Lowes or Home Depot with the bolt and get a longer verison.

 

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.

 

rofl... i torqued mine down as well pretty darn tight. I am just curious because I can see 3-4 threads on the nut... although it seems pretty snug.. im just worried that nut will pop off and the bolt will come loose while driving :0/

 

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.

 

eh... havent heard of anyone having this problem, and im sure I installed it correctly... so ill leave it be. Im pretty paranoid.

 

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.

 

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

 

Didn't have any problems with length on my bars. Then again, I didn't use washers, either.

 

I wonder if it would be wise to remove the washers

 

I totally agree!!! I only use Grade 8 or Class 10.9 fasteners when it comes to the car. Maybe its a little overkill - better sure than sorry.