Height adjusting screws
 

I recently removed the the control arms to renovate and found the height adjusting screws very hard to undo. They appeared to have some blue material in the thread. On checking the new screws, they come with blue stuff on them. What is this? Bentleys say to grease these screws when reinstalling them. Is this correct or should they have lock tight on them. I am confused.

The blue material is most likely Loctite 242 ... if the new screws came with Loctite there is probably a reason for it , you don't want them backing out by themselves !

The adjustment screw should not have loctite on it.

According to the Bently manual 401-10, you are supposed to grease it using a "Mos2 grease" (Moly)

The adjustment screw is under great force. The only time it would be in danger of falling out is if the suspension was raised up and the torsion bar is no longer under load. Putting loctite on it would only prevent it's entire purpose, to adjust the front ride height.

As soon as the car is put onto the floor and tension placed on the spring (torsion bar) that adjustment screw is pressed against the torsion bar retaining cap threads with the entire force of the front suspension.

Thanks so much it makes sense when explained like that.

They won't back out. Check the probably missing dust resistors that covered the ends of the torsion bars.

While I agree the manual says they should be greased, can anyone explain the blue stuff then? If it is loctite why would it be there if you are going to put grease over it?

I don’t want to sound like a smart ass, but have known shops and home mechanics that put blue Loctite 242 on almost any metal fastener....just because. 🙄

There are certain applications where 242 is appropriate on fasteners; the height adjustment screws are not one of them.

I disassembled my suspension to for upgrades and when I installed everything and then when I was finished everything I lowered the front. One of the front torsion bar rear indexing caps was pointing to 1 o’clock and the right side is pointing at 10 o’clock. I guess my question is as long as there is enough thread to hold the screw in position is that good. Or would you rather have them pointing to 9 and 3 o’clock for best alignment of the bolt to the concaved seat of the bolt. I guess it’s easy enough to do. Just raise the car and jack up the front suspension. The bolt would be the strongest pointing north then north east or west of you k ow what I mean. Or maybe this is a dumb question?

They are tight to turn when properly lubed. With loctite on there I can see where it would be difficult. Screw them the other way Remove the loctite and lube. then unscrew.

Chris