Fr Suspension Install- Loctite vs anti-Seize?

[Dave Ploss]

Everything is off thefront end....A-Arms, Arm covers and belly pan have been POR 15'd. Struts are clean.

On the re-assembly...where should I use loctite and where should I use anti-seize. Some procedures give suggestions but I would like to know the "philosophy" of when to use these.

Calipers will be painted next weekend along with the A/C condenser cover and protection bar.

Thanks.

Dave

[IROC]

The simple answer is use anti-seize in locations where you want to take things back apart (like for routine maintenance) and especially in locations of dissimilar metals. Caliper bolts is a good example. Use Loctite where you don't want things to come apart unexpectedly. I actually don't use Loctite on anything unless it *specifically* says to.

Anti-seize is your friend. :>)

Mike

[Dave Ploss]

I know they suggest anti-seize on the wedge bolt itself, not the threads. How about the castle nut on the ball joint. To do work on the suspension, either the castle nut or the wedge bolt has to come out most of the time.

The castle nut has the locking washer.

Dave

[IROC]

As long as you're torquing everything correctly, using anti-seize isn't going to hurt a thing. When in doubt, I'd use it.

Mike

[KTL]

Use antiseize on the notched nut for the ball joint, the wedge pin for the ball joint & strut bottom, all of the bolts that hold the A-arms to the car, wheel studs and caliper bolts (use new spring washers).

Use blue loctite on the tie rod ends going into the steering rack (not at the knuckle- has a cotter pin).

The four cotter pins you'll replace (two for the tie rods and two for the protective covers on the ball joints) are metric. I found that English/SAE sized pins didn't fit too well. Good source for metric cotter pins is McMaster-Carr (www.mcmaster.com). Good hardware and fast service. Got my stuff in one day. Helps when the have a warehouse location in your state..........

[Dave Ploss]

Kevin,
Thanks...that's what I was planning. I guess that, if it's going to come apart later, anti seize. If you want to make sure it doesn't wiggle loose, loctite. I put blue loctite on the tie rods when I put them in the steering rack.

Guys, Thanks so much.

Dave