Trailing arm kluge -wheel bearing

[Len VanderJagt]

I have a worn-out trailing arm on my 87 911. After 70,000 track miles and four wheel bearing replacements, the wheel bearing seat is out of round (also, it got gouged two years ago by a cocked bearing insertion. Result = wobble, about three 32nd at the tire tread.

Given that JB Weld is used cement in elephant suspension bearings, would it be plausible to use JB Weld in the trailing arm, dropping/pressing in one last bearing for that arm? With the G50, I have to drop the engine to get to the trailing arm bolts (nut), and I don't have the time to do this before the next event.

After that, I can replace the trailing arm and be done with it. What do y'all think? Creative or just plain nuts?

Len VanderJagt

[Fishcop]

There is a Locktite product that is specifically designed for the problem you have - but I can't recall it's number... Perhaps a search on their website might help?

[Len VanderJagt]

Well, it sounds like it is worth a try, although it is going to have to be gap filling awfully strong. I will give this a try if no one else comes up with an endorsement of the more radical (and weird) notion of JB Weld.

Thanks,

Len

[304065]

Give the trailing arm the "water test." Toss it in the nearest lake or stream, if it floats, it's OK to use.

But seriously, a trailing arm can be found in the Classifieds here. Smart Racing makes a bearing retainer that's far stronger than the OEM version, which you may consider when putting it back together. But if the bearing seat is fouled up, I would expect that no amount of high-pressure sealant will keep it from moving under the tremendous load the wheel bearing sees. Do you want this to be in the back of your mind at 110 MPH in the braking zone?

[Len VanderJagt]

Ha! I use that test with rotors and brake pads!

As I said, I'm really just looking for a "get by" for a day or two. No reason to think there will be a catastrophic failure. When I have the window of time, I'll do it right. If someone who is not crazy says it would last 10 days, well, maybe. No question the trailing arm ain't gonna float! But to finish a DE weekend? Right/left transitions tipped me off, but it's not like it's trying to steer from the back. From a practical standpoint, I've got 3 hours, I don't have either 10 hours, (or the part) before Tuesday, and it is a small school in a small track and I just need to cart to a student around for a session or two.

Thanks for the humor & wisdom.

Len

[Quicksilver]

Loctite makes a "Press Fit Repair" bearing mount product. The number is #660. They also have bearing mount products #609 and #680. Not sure what the difference between the last two is.

[Len VanderJagt]

Thanks to all. Loctite for the weekend, and then the replacement traing arm afterward.

Len