PolyBronze - Having Trouble with Fit

[Fishcop]

I seem to be having trouble with the fact that the outer diameters of my torsion tubes are a bit too big... I think the outer (red) section of the bearing is too loose.

Any advice? Chuck?

[stealthn]

Did you use the shims?

[Craig 930 RS]

I had to add several shims in this area - more than the other sections F&R

[Zeke]

I guess he's talking rears since torsion tube refers to that end. My sockets for the inner bearing were somewhat rusty and a little detoriorated. After thorough cleaning and prep, I used polyurethane caulk to "glue" them in place. Gives you plenty of time to install the spring plate and torsion bar for good fit and alignment. Do not put any other pressure, i.e., indexing the bars or setting car back on the ground for 24 hrs. The poly caulk is about as tough of caulk you can buy, but it remains somewhat flexible.

Be careful to use just enough if you go this route, You don't want any mucking up the works. You can get it out with effort and clean up the stuff with some heat and a stiff rotary wire brush in the future. It's not like you are using JB Weld.

[Chuck Moreland]

Hi John

There is a surprising amount of variation in the torsion tube inner diameter, car to car. My recommendation is use a shim if yours is loose, as per the instructions.

Milt's method also sounds good, though I haven't tried it. I don't have any experience with the longevity of poly caulk.

[Fishcop]

Thanks very much for the advice. I assumed that shimming was the correct method... I just got hung up on the instructions indicating that you need X amount of pressure to push them in.

Milt, I actually thought of exactly what you suggested. I've had a fair bit of experience with poly calk when I worked on boats... definitely only need "just enough", the stuff is amazing.

I think I'll just go with shimming for the time being, and switch to poly calk if I can't get it right.

Chuck, I know it's been said, but your polybronze stuff is the ducks nuts!