Front tension-compression rods

[Richard McDonel]

I'm all set to reinstall the tension-compression rods, and it appears I'm either missing a piece, or I have the wrong size front bolts. The bolts, which I carefull labelled and stored at the time of disassembly, are 9 mm. The holes are 10 mm. In the parts catalogues there are what appear to be bushings, but Black Dragon calls them "washers," and they're only for 260-280 models - I've got a 240. It's been several years since it all came apart, and I have no recollection of any bushings or washers.

Can anyone describe for me the proper attachment of tension-compression rod to front control arm?

Thanks

[siteunseen]

http://atlanticz.ca/zclub/techtips/suspension/comprod/index.html, https://www.google.com/search?q=240z+commpression+rod&rlz=1C1BOFA_enUS494US494&aq=f&oq=240z+commpression+rod&aqs=chrome.0.57.7203&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#hl=en&rlz=1C1BOFA_enUS494US494&q=240z+tension+compression+rod&spell=1&sa=X&ei=BKI3Ub_8F5Pi9gTshYCgAQ&ved=0CCwQvwUoAA&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_qf.&bvm=bv.43287494,d.eWU&fp=48362b96de64f48b&biw=1280&bih=620

Some pictures to look at. Maybe you'll see something.

Edited March 6, 2013 by siteunseen

[Zed Head]

I have a few spares in the garage that I started collecting after I broke one. The shoulder on the bolt is 9 mm, and the hole it fits is 10 mm. Once you try to get the bolts in to holes you'll see that if it was a tight tolerance 10mm bolt in a 10 mm hole you'd probably never get it assembled. Even with the play you'll have to wiggle things around to get both bolts in. I think 9 mm shoulder in a 10 mm hole is the factory setup.

[Captain_Zeros]

My car is apart right now! I threw calipers on 'em and yeah, the shoulder of the bolt is 9 mm.

Edit: and yeah, there were no washers on my car, just the two bolts through from the top and a nut on the bottom of each.

Edited March 7, 2013 by Captain_Zeros

[John Coffey]

The bolts are considered 10mm (M10 x 1.25p).

[Zed Head]

I might have confused things by calling the shank of the bolt a "shoulder". A 10 mm shoulder bolt would have a distinct shoulder machined to 10 mm, I believe. The bolt in question is not a shoulder bolt.

[Richard McDonel]

Thanks folks,

I guess that answers it. I use the bolts I've got, torque them up properly and I should be OK. It just seemed inappropriate to have that much slack. If we hear a clunking noise up front under braking, then it's still a question - otherwise we're sailing.

Cheers All,