Control Arm Bolt Tightness

[jtf440]

I have noticed a clunk whenever I take off from a stop, I know it is my rear lower control arm bolt on the frame. The bolt has loosened up multiple times on me. I also launched hard from a stop and now the clunking is louder, from both sides now. I know I need to go under and make sure stuff is tight, but what can I do to prevent this in the future?

 

[Shane Mckinley]

Hmm are you using too much anti seize ?


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2005 RHD TJ Sport
2010 BMW 528xi

 

[Xposure]

The tq spec is high...you’d need to look it up but I believe it’s about 150lbs or so....it’s a thick bolt I’d just crank down on it, you won’t snap a bolt like that. At 150lbs mine would still make a clunking sound when I got on the brakes and then when the Jeep would level back out it would clunk. I tightened it more and it went away.

How tight have you torqued the bolt? There is a lot of pressure on those arms, they are very very important and need to be torqued down tight.

 

[toximus]

Here you go: jeep.yellowgoo.com/Jeep 2004 TJ Torque.xls

Lower Control Arms (Front) @ Axle 85 ft. lbs. 21mm M14x2.0x111.6 (Cam Bolt) (M14 washer & Hex Nut) AS Currie/Savvy lower control arms 90ft-lbs
Lower Control Arms (Front) @ Frame 130 ft. lbs. 21mm M14x2.0x105.00 (Hex Flange Lock Nut) AS Currie/Savvy lower control arms 90ft-lbs
Lower Control Arms (Rear) @ Axle 130 ft. lbs. 21mm M14x2.0x105.0 (Hex Flange Nut) AS Currie/Savvy lower control arms 90ft-lbs
Lower Control Arms (Rear) @ Frame 130 ft. lbs. 21mm M14x2.0x105.0 (Hex Flange Nut) AS Currie/Savvy lower control arms 90ft-lbs

 

[jtf440]

I have torqued them to spec before, without anti seize. Should I try an air impact and blue loctite? I can barely get the torque on the fasteners because it is an awkward position and I'm laying on my back. With an impact, I think I could get them plenty tight.

 

[Chris]

Here you go: jeep.yellowgoo.com/Jeep 2004 TJ Torque.xls

Lower Control Arms (Front) @ Axle 85 ft. lbs. 21mm M14x2.0x111.6 (Cam Bolt) (M14 washer & Hex Nut) AS Currie/Savvy lower control arms 90ft-lbs
Lower Control Arms (Front) @ Frame 130 ft. lbs. 21mm M14x2.0x105.00 (Hex Flange Lock Nut) AS Currie/Savvy lower control arms 90ft-lbs
Lower Control Arms (Rear) @ Axle 130 ft. lbs. 21mm M14x2.0x105.0 (Hex Flange Nut) AS Currie/Savvy lower control arms 90ft-lbs
Lower Control Arms (Rear) @ Frame 130 ft. lbs. 21mm M14x2.0x105.0 (Hex Flange Nut) AS Currie/Savvy lower control arms 90ft-lbs

The Currie / Savvy arms aren't torqued to the same spec as factory... hmmm. Is that due to them using slightly larger bolts?

 

[Jerry Bransford]

I have torqued them to spec before, without anti seize. Should I try an air impact and blue loctite? I can barely get the torque on the fasteners because it is an awkward position and I'm laying on my back. With an impact, I think I could get them plenty tight.

Antiseize should not be used on suspension mounting hardware. Blue Loctite would work fine on the control arm hardware that is loosening up though I'd be careful with an impact wrench as many of them can put out way more force than how tightly those bolts should be.

 

[jtf440]

Antiseize should not be used on suspension mounting hardware. Blue Loctite would work fine on the control arm hardware that is loosening up though I'd be careful with an impact wrench as many of them can put out way more force than how tightly those bolts should be.

Thanks Jerry, I think I will break them loose with the impact for the loctite, then give them a couple ugga duggas back in, then come back with the torque wrench.

 

[Jerry Bransford]

Thanks Jerry, I think I will break them loose with the impact for the loctite, then give them a couple ugga duggas back in, then come back with the torque wrench.

Keep in mind that both Loctite and antiseize act as lubricants so you will need to reduce the ft-lbs. torque by 30% from what the spec says to provide the same clamping force if either product is applied to the threads.

 

[toximus]

The Currie / Savvy arms aren't torqued to the same spec as factory... hmmm. Is that due to them using slightly larger bolts?

Look at a torque chart and I think you'll agree that's not the reason why.

I suspect it has more to do with them using a stover nut.

 

[Chris]

Look at a torque chart and I think you'll agree that's not the reason why.

I suspect it has more to do with them using a stover nut.

Good point. I'm not sure what they call that piece that the factory control arms use. It's some sort of nut that looks like it was spot welded onto a strip of metal.

 

[Jerry Bransford]

Good point. I'm not sure what they call that piece that the factory control arms use. It's some sort of nut that looks like it was spot welded onto a strip of metal.

If you mean what holds the track bar bolt, it's called a flagnut.

 

[Chris]

If you mean what holds the track bar bolt, it's called a flagnut.

My stock control arms had those on them as well, though slightly larger of course.

But yes, a "flag nut". Seems like a fitting name!