Need HELP! ER Polybronze Spring Plate Install

vntgspd · 04-07-2007, 08:46 AM

Okay, I did the search but didn't find what I needed. I'm in the middle of the install of the ER polybronze spring plate bushings. I have installed all bushings and am doing the test fit with three washers and the bushings bind up. I went to five washers and it still binds up. I have weltmeister adjustable spring plates. The bushings appear to be fully seated in the body and the covers.

Has anyone else had this problem?

What is the typical number of washers required?

The ER instructions indicate 0-3 washers are likely required but I don't know if the instructions are specific to the adjustable spring plates or not.

Help!

Thanks,

David

cbeers · 04-07-2007, 11:13 AM

I was ready to offer suggestions right up to where you mention the Weltmeister plates.

I would call Chuck at Elephant directly since I think the instructions are for OEM? Again, assuming here since I don't know if he has a different set of instructions for the aftermarket parts.

For the record, my plates liked one washer.

-Chris

Chuck Moreland · 04-07-2007, 11:44 AM

David, the instructions are specific to the Sway a way. SAW plates are substantially thicker than the OEM plates and therefor require extra spacing.

However 5 washers is certainly more than you need and should not be used. Something else is going on.

Elaborate on your definition of "binding". If you torque the bolts and have insufficient spacers, you can not move the spring plate with hand pressure - no way no how. Is this what you are experiencing?

You can phone or email me directly for real-time help.

vntgspd · 04-07-2007, 02:56 PM

Thanks for your help Chuck.

I will post the resolution once I find it.

vntgspd · 04-09-2007, 08:01 AM

Update -

Based on recommendations by Chuck, I checked the gap between the springplates and the bronze bushings and also checked the end play of the swingplates.

On the passenger side I found 1.7 to 1.9mm gaps in the bearing to spring plate interface and was able to move the plate in and out with a large screwdriver.

On the driver side I found 1.0 to 1.2mm gaps in the bearing to spring plate interface and was NOT able to move the plate in and out with a large screwdriver.

IIRC Chuck said the gap should be .5 to 1.0mm.

Based on this, I am now sourcing new bushing cover/torsion bar retainer plates as there appears to be a misalignment in my setup that is causing the precision bearings to bind.

David

C4 Pazzo · 02-01-2009, 04:49 PM

I'm resurrecting this thread because I had a similar issue installing polybronze bearings and ER quick change spring plates on my '69. The bolts for later cars/springplates are 7 mm longer than for early cars (35 mm vs. 28 mm), which is just about equal to 4 washers at each location, which is what I used. Unfortunately, I was still getting some binding so I gave Chuck a call. He said that the arms should fall under their own weight. Mine required a couple of fingers of pressure to get them moving, so Chuck suggested I try adding another spacer (total of five at each position). He also mentioned if that did not work it work it could be that the spring plate cover might not be square to the torsion bar (either because the cover is not flat or because the mounting points aren't all on the same plane).

Using a process of trial and error, I was able to get the spring plates to fall under their own weight by using 4 washers at three positions and 3 at the fourth on the passenger side, and 4 washers at three positions and 5 washers at the fourth on the driver side.

Thanks, Chuck, for suggesting I consider the possibility that the spring plate cover might not be mounting square to the torsion bar.

vntgspd · 02-02-2009, 07:24 AM

Great info, thanks for adding to the archives!

I just realized that I never finalized my original post. I was able to address my fitment issue with additional spacer washers and some trial and error fitment. I believe that the precision of the suspension pick-up points on a 40 year old car are not up to the precision of the ER parts.

I was able to get them to move freely and also remain snug with no lateral play in the springplate. After 1 1/2 season of track and autocross usage as well as many street miles, I have encountered no issues.