Elephant Racing Low Friction Control arm mounts Question

JonT · 05-01-2005, 12:02 PM

When I add the concave/convex self aligning washers to the top and the bottom of the mount it will not fit within the front crossarm. Anyone else experience this? Any recommendations?

JonT · 05-01-2005, 02:55 PM

Here's a pic of what I'm talking about--the control arm mount with washers on top and bottom won't fit! Stole this pic from Muffinman's post on the subject.

jbrinkley · 05-01-2005, 03:04 PM

PM chuck and ask him. I didn't have that problem and can't think of anything to say

island911 · 05-01-2005, 03:06 PM

Are you stacking, then inserting?

island911 · 05-01-2005, 03:08 PM

Yeah, PM Chuck.

.. or, maybe wait for the "new, precision front crossarm" ?

(sorry; couldn't resist)

I would take a file to the "precision mount." (maybe that wil help)

lally911 · 05-01-2005, 03:11 PM

I put the bottom washers in with the mount, put the bolt in partially from the bottom, then tapped the top washers in place with a brass punch.

JonT · 05-01-2005, 03:34 PM

Yes I'm stacking then inserting. I tried putting the bottom one in first and then the bolt and tapping but they just won't budge. Too much binding with these self-adjusting washers would seem to defeat the purpose of them. I'm getting a little panicky because I have to be done by Tuesday morning for corner balance and alignment!

Filing will be my last option.

Chuck Moreland · 05-01-2005, 04:24 PM

Jon, firstly be sure the contact surfaces in the crossmember are clean and you are not fighting built-up dirt etc. Second, make sure you have everything lined up properly - realize you can open the leading edge by tilting the washers.

Gentle tapping of the washers into place is fine. Binding is not a concern, the washers do not move once the bolts are torqued down.

If you can't get them in with gentle tapping, it's easy to gain a little clearance by running a file over the ends of the mounts. No concerns with this at all. A little paint on the exposed metal for protection and you'll be good to go.

There is some variation in the crossmembers so this is not that uncommon.

lateapex911 · 05-01-2005, 05:12 PM

I JUST did this myself, and I had some of the same issues, but it was my fault, as I had powder coated my front crossmember. Of course, I was careful when I did the powder coating to go light on the inside, but it was still tight.

My "technique" was to put the top washers in first, making sure I could thread the bolt, then adding the lower set. I did utilize the trick of "wedging" the washers initially to get it started, then used my soft mallet to work it deeper.. Once in it was just a question of getting it properly aligned for bolt clearance. My other side was much easier and faster. No fliing needed on mine, so the plating remained undisturbed.

JonT · 05-01-2005, 07:35 PM

Well I ended up filing the mounts to get them to fit. It was a lengthy process since I didn't want to take too much off so it took a few iterations back and forth to the vise to hold the mount and file and then to fit. It all finally fit and looks good. Thanks for the help.

rlh930 · 05-01-2005, 09:30 PM

I had a similar problem; it turned out to be a very tiny amount of weld on the top and bottom of the mount. Fixed it with a few seconds of careful filing, after which everything fit perfectly.

911nut · 911nut's Garage

Hey guys, I have my suspension apart (I installed Chuck's bushings last year) right now. I've been considering buying these mounts myself.
What were the circumstances that led you to buy this kit?
Thanks.