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joetiger Samba Member
Joined: January 27, 2005 Posts: 5068 Location: denver
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Posted: Sun Nov 15, 2015 10:36 am Post subject: Broken Lower Control Arm Bracket |
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Yesterday, we decided to take a family day trip around the Front Range, down to Castlewood Canyon and over to Manitou Springs, just a few hundred miles to get some Vanagon and family time in before the snow falls again.
I ran to the store for a few things before we left, and the steering seemed just a tiny bit squirrelly. Something didn't feel right.
I got home, took a look underneath, and found this:
When I rebuilt the front end recently, I had to cut the old bolt and bushing out to remove the LCA. I can only assume that in doing so, I caught some metal on the inside front section of the bracket and weakened it. Also, that bracket had been bent forward in a very unnatural way due to a bad alignment; It bent back naturally when I installed the new bushing and the LCA, so that could have also had something to do with it.
I'm making arrangements to have it repaired. I only post this to remind everybody to be sure you inspect your ride before hitting the road.
As it was, we had a nice day trip in my wife's Highlander. Not nearly as fun as the Vanagon, but also without the driver's side front end coming apart on the highway. _________________ Joe T.
'86 NAHT Vanagon GL Syncro/ supercharged ABA 2.0 "Pigpen"
'04 GTI 1.8T
'04 Golf R32
"get metaphysical with it. if it's simply a means to get to and from places, it will let you down. if it becomes your zen, it can't fail you." -dabaron
"Still, it's good to be afield."--VWagabond
Available Now! Vanagon to Louisiana--A Two-Lane Reckoning Through Past and Present
www.josephtrussell.com |
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insyncro Banned
Joined: March 07, 2002 Posts: 15086 Location: New York
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Posted: Sun Nov 15, 2015 12:13 pm Post subject: Re: Broken Lower Control Arm Bracket |
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Looks like a flex point was possibly created if you buggered up the dropout with the sawzall.
You will know for sure once the part is disassembled.
I don't cut these on anything but crusty parts vans.
Try drilling the head and tail into the bolt, than with a 1/2" or better yet 3/4" impact, you can spin each end of the fastener off and not cut a thing.
You must drill into the fastener far enough to pass the dropout.
This creates a relief point where it will snap clean off.
Hope this helps. |
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Zeitgeist 13 Samba Member
Joined: March 05, 2009 Posts: 12103 Location: Port Manteau
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Posted: Sun Nov 15, 2015 12:28 pm Post subject: Re: Broken Lower Control Arm Bracket |
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I've long thought those LCA mounting tabs were a weak point. A while ago we were having a discussion in a thread about how to beef up these mounts. Since you're already going to be doing some welding there, perhaps you could add some gussets similar to what I've shown below. Good luck
_________________ Casey--
'89 Bluestar ALH w/12mm Waldo pump, PP764 and GT2052
'01 Weekender --> full camper
y u rune klassik? |
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seans67 Samba Member
Joined: October 06, 2004 Posts: 453 Location: End of the Road, Alaska
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Posted: Sun Nov 15, 2015 12:44 pm Post subject: Re: Broken Lower Control Arm Bracket |
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I was crawling around under the front of my van doing the coolant pipes the other day. While looking around just inspecting things I noticed those mounting tabs and thought that they looked kinda flimsy. I like the gusset idea.
After doing a bunch of front end work on my Audi A4 (f'ing pinch bolts!), I got kinda tuned in on front end mechanics. Will definitely be going through my front end once I get her back on the road again. _________________ Sean
'71 Squareback '71 Porsche 914 ‘80 Camper '87 Syncro Weekender 1.8T '87 Wolfsburg Weekender '97 Toyota Land Cruiser ‘03 Audi A6 Quattro 3.0 ‘04 Audi A4 Avant Quattro 1.8T ‘05 Audi A4 Quattro 3.0
‘06 Porsche Cayenne Turbo S |
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Jake de Villiers Samba Member
Joined: October 24, 2007 Posts: 5911 Location: Tsawwassen, BC
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Posted: Sun Nov 15, 2015 2:37 pm Post subject: Re: Broken Lower Control Arm Bracket |
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Zeitgeist 13 wrote: |
I've long thought those LCA mounting tabs were a weak point. A while ago we were having a discussion in a thread about how to beef up these mounts. Since you're already going to be doing some welding there, perhaps you could add some gussets similar to what I've shown below. Good luck
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That's a great idea.
When I installed my rebuilt power steering rack a couple of years ago I noticed how much flexing the unsupported rack mounting beam was doing as the rack went side to side, so I made a pair of 1/4" x 2 1/2" aluminium straps to join the steering mount to the main cross member.
With two bolts in each end, the steering is noticeably more positive. I imagine its added to the stiffness of the cross member, too. _________________ '84 Vanagon GL 1.9 WBX
'86 Westy Weekender Poptop/2.5 Subaru/5 Speed Posi/Audi Front Brakes/16 x 7 Mercedes Wheels - answers to 'Dixie'
@jakedevilliersmusic1
http://sites.google.com/site/subyjake/mydixiedarlin%27
www.crescentbeachguitar.com
www.thebassspa.com |
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insyncro Banned
Joined: March 07, 2002 Posts: 15086 Location: New York
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Posted: Sun Nov 15, 2015 3:14 pm Post subject: Re: Broken Lower Control Arm Bracket |
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The shown triangulations look good.
The Syncros have extra supports welded to the dropouts that are part of the subframe. |
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Zeitgeist 13 Samba Member
Joined: March 05, 2009 Posts: 12103 Location: Port Manteau
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Posted: Sun Nov 15, 2015 5:28 pm Post subject: Re: Broken Lower Control Arm Bracket |
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Yeah, Syncro front suspensions seem pretty stout to my eyes _________________ Casey--
'89 Bluestar ALH w/12mm Waldo pump, PP764 and GT2052
'01 Weekender --> full camper
y u rune klassik? |
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insyncro Banned
Joined: March 07, 2002 Posts: 15086 Location: New York
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Posted: Sun Nov 15, 2015 6:14 pm Post subject: Re: Broken Lower Control Arm Bracket |
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Zeitgeist 13 wrote: |
Yeah, Syncro front suspensions seem pretty stout to my eyes |
I will add a pic of the added supports they have tomorrow. |
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rubbachicken Samba Member
Joined: October 05, 2004 Posts: 3058 Location: socal
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Posted: Sun Nov 15, 2015 7:29 pm Post subject: Re: Broken Lower Control Arm Bracket |
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i especially like the red rectangles, i've thought about adding these, maybe just one in the center, 6mm plate, likely 30cm long, then it'd make it a safe jacking point
to the OP that's an easy enough part to repair, its easy enough to template, a piece of 3mm plate cut to the same dimensions, and welded on would be more than enough. _________________ lucy our westy
lucy's BIG adventure
meet 'burni'
markswagen {mobile mechanic} san diego area all early VW's cared for.
619 201 0310 or 617 935 4182 |
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tpinthepack Samba Member
Joined: July 11, 2004 Posts: 810 Location: clearwater,florida
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Posted: Mon Nov 16, 2015 3:10 am Post subject: Re: Broken Lower Control Arm Bracket |
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This looks like the part you need and only 10 Euros.
http://shop.volkswagen-classic-parts.de/vwcp/mounting-251803255.html
Maybe they have seen this happen before?
Tony _________________ TP in the Pack (I am a cyclist)
1968 Manx N.O.S. w/ Barrett Chassis
1960 Single Cab 1914 w/ 40 DLRA's
1990 Vanagon DOKA
1972 Super Beetle
1979 Super Beetle Convertible
2011 Porsche Cayenne |
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joetiger Samba Member
Joined: January 27, 2005 Posts: 5068 Location: denver
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Posted: Tue Jan 26, 2016 7:23 am Post subject: Re: Broken Lower Control Arm Bracket |
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Finally, after two months of putting it off, they just loaded up my Vanagon on a flatbed to take up to RMW.
I'm at work; my daughter saw this happening out the window and sent a text:
"SOMEBODY IS TAKING THE VANAGON!!!"
I assured her that I was aware and that it would be okay.
Looking forward to getting the bracket fixed as well as getting many more goodies from our friends at Rocky Mountain Westy! _________________ Joe T.
'86 NAHT Vanagon GL Syncro/ supercharged ABA 2.0 "Pigpen"
'04 GTI 1.8T
'04 Golf R32
"get metaphysical with it. if it's simply a means to get to and from places, it will let you down. if it becomes your zen, it can't fail you." -dabaron
"Still, it's good to be afield."--VWagabond
Available Now! Vanagon to Louisiana--A Two-Lane Reckoning Through Past and Present
www.josephtrussell.com |
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joetiger Samba Member
Joined: January 27, 2005 Posts: 5068 Location: denver
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Posted: Mon Feb 08, 2016 8:23 am Post subject: Re: Broken Lower Control Arm Bracket |
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Rocky Mountain Westy was able to fix up my Vanagon. They cut out the old broken bracket and made a new one and welded it in:
While it was there, I took advantage of the opportunity and had them do a few other things, like stainless coolant pipes and a locking drawer.
Mike and his crew at Rocky Mountain Westy are simply outstanding. I was treated to a tour of their rather impressive facility and finished the day with a couple of beers at O'Dell's Brewery, my favorite. So, I got to visit two of my motherships in one afternoon, and got a very well-updated Vanagon as well. _________________ Joe T.
'86 NAHT Vanagon GL Syncro/ supercharged ABA 2.0 "Pigpen"
'04 GTI 1.8T
'04 Golf R32
"get metaphysical with it. if it's simply a means to get to and from places, it will let you down. if it becomes your zen, it can't fail you." -dabaron
"Still, it's good to be afield."--VWagabond
Available Now! Vanagon to Louisiana--A Two-Lane Reckoning Through Past and Present
www.josephtrussell.com |
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heidi85ho Samba Member
Joined: October 17, 2009 Posts: 298 Location: Williamsburg,Virginia
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Posted: Mon Feb 08, 2016 11:15 am Post subject: Re: Broken Lower Control Arm Bracket |
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Tpinthepack
That part from Europe is a great find on your part.
Thanks for the link. _________________ 85 westy-1.9-standard trans, FAS GenV 2.0 |
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IdahoDoug Samba Member
Joined: June 12, 2010 Posts: 10239 Location: N. Idaho
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Posted: Mon Feb 08, 2016 1:05 pm Post subject: Re: Broken Lower Control Arm Bracket |
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I got a 404 error on that link to the european part, and a photo of a lost couple in an orange Rabbit. Work for others? We do some gravel/dirt road touring and if this is a failure point I'd like to source those as well. Thanks. _________________ 1987 2WD Wolfsburg Vanagon Weekender "Mango", two fully locked 80 Series LandCruisers. 2017 Subaru Outback boxer. 1990 Audi 90 Quattro 20V with rear locking differential, 1990 burgundy parts Vanagon. 1984 Porsche 944, 1988 Toyota Supra 5 speed targa, 2002 BMW 325iX, 1982 Toyota Sunrader |
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joetiger Samba Member
Joined: January 27, 2005 Posts: 5068 Location: denver
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Posted: Mon Feb 08, 2016 1:30 pm Post subject: Re: Broken Lower Control Arm Bracket |
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That's a cool picture, though. Love that Rabbit.
Here's the part:
http://www.volkswagen-classic-parts.de/en/aufnahme-b6bb7e.html _________________ Joe T.
'86 NAHT Vanagon GL Syncro/ supercharged ABA 2.0 "Pigpen"
'04 GTI 1.8T
'04 Golf R32
"get metaphysical with it. if it's simply a means to get to and from places, it will let you down. if it becomes your zen, it can't fail you." -dabaron
"Still, it's good to be afield."--VWagabond
Available Now! Vanagon to Louisiana--A Two-Lane Reckoning Through Past and Present
www.josephtrussell.com |
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ALIKA T3 Samba Member
Joined: July 30, 2009 Posts: 6316 Location: Honolulu,Hawaii and France
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Posted: Mon Feb 08, 2016 6:42 pm Post subject: Re: Broken Lower Control Arm Bracket |
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joetiger wrote: |
Rocky Mountain Westy was able to fix up my Vanagon. They cut out the old broken bracket and made a new one and welded it in:
While it was there, I took advantage of the opportunity and had them do a few other things, like stainless coolant pipes and a locking drawer.
Mike and his crew at Rocky Mountain Westy are simply outstanding. I was treated to a tour of their rather impressive facility and finished the day with a couple of beers at O'Dell's Brewery, my favorite. So, I got to visit two of my motherships in one afternoon, and got a very well-updated Vanagon as well. |
Bro, while you're in there, you need a set of these before dust ruins your power steering rack seals....
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=1837448
Aloha! _________________ Silicone Steering Boots and 930 Cv boots for sale in the classifieds.
Syncro transmission upgrade parts in the Classifieds.
Subaru EJ22+UN1 5 speed transmission
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=416343
Syncro http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=4...num+gadget |
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joetiger Samba Member
Joined: January 27, 2005 Posts: 5068 Location: denver
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Posted: Tue Feb 09, 2016 8:32 am Post subject: Re: Broken Lower Control Arm Bracket |
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Yeah, that boot is actually brand new but got buggered around during alignment. I've since gone in and twisted back to its correct position. But when these fail (as they certainly will,) I'll be coming to you! _________________ Joe T.
'86 NAHT Vanagon GL Syncro/ supercharged ABA 2.0 "Pigpen"
'04 GTI 1.8T
'04 Golf R32
"get metaphysical with it. if it's simply a means to get to and from places, it will let you down. if it becomes your zen, it can't fail you." -dabaron
"Still, it's good to be afield."--VWagabond
Available Now! Vanagon to Louisiana--A Two-Lane Reckoning Through Past and Present
www.josephtrussell.com |
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ALIKA T3 Samba Member
Joined: July 30, 2009 Posts: 6316 Location: Honolulu,Hawaii and France
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insyncro Banned
Joined: March 07, 2002 Posts: 15086 Location: New York
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Posted: Tue Feb 09, 2016 11:39 am Post subject: Re: Broken Lower Control Arm Bracket |
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Good excuse to get some silicone boots |
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joetiger Samba Member
Joined: January 27, 2005 Posts: 5068 Location: denver
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Posted: Sat Feb 13, 2016 7:20 pm Post subject: Re: Broken Lower Control Arm Bracket |
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So another Samba member alerted me to the fact that my sway bar bushings had a big gap where they're supposed to meet. I noticed it when I installed them, but thought that it was just how the new aftermarket parts were.
He told me that T3 Technique had identified the issue (21 mm early sway bar) and sold Whiteline poly bushings that would fit. I ordered up a set and had them three days later due to the impeccable service that T3 offers of course. I installed them today.
Unfortunately or fortunately depending on how you look at it, I can't really tell a difference since I just replaced all of the bushings in the front end and it rides like a Ferrari Cadillac either way.
_________________ Joe T.
'86 NAHT Vanagon GL Syncro/ supercharged ABA 2.0 "Pigpen"
'04 GTI 1.8T
'04 Golf R32
"get metaphysical with it. if it's simply a means to get to and from places, it will let you down. if it becomes your zen, it can't fail you." -dabaron
"Still, it's good to be afield."--VWagabond
Available Now! Vanagon to Louisiana--A Two-Lane Reckoning Through Past and Present
www.josephtrussell.com |
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