280ZX Tension Rods - somethings bent...

Huw

Huw

Club Member
Hi

Whilst refurbishing the steering and front suspension parts ready to bolt back on, I noticed something wrong with the tension rods. The rod part looks fine but where it flattens out to bolt onto the transverse link at the bottom of the strut, the right hand tension rod looks to be bent more from the horizontal than the left. The left hand rod has a 3 degree bend and the right hand rod has a 7 degree bend (see pix its easier that way).

I would say one is bent out of shape, but which one? Nothing else on the running gear would suggest impact damage in the past. Or are they supposed to be different.

Can anyone shed some light here?

All help appreciated.

Huw:confused:
 

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If you compare the bit I have highlighted on the top (left) bar can you see where the lower face curves downwards compared to the flat edge of the bottom (right) shaft. It almost looks as if the left tension rod has been laid down and flattened causing the deformation. I don't know if this is an intentional design but I would say the left tension rod is the incorrect one.and they should both be at 7 degrees (as per the right rod)

Not a good description and only going on the photo but I hope you get my drift
 
I find it hard to believe a rod of this size could get bent in that position unless it has been in a serious accident.
 
Hiya ! It would seem to me that the left rod has indeed been deformed at some point, very unusual to see a casting as wonky as the left rod ;) I dont however know if it is indeed intentional or not, im just going with my experience in industry. Mr F should be able to shed some light, or maybe a place like 4-ways eng ?? :driving:
 
I would say with lots of heat (red hot) and some gentle persuasion (and I mean gentle ... no hammering) it should bend back to shape and the deformation will disappear. Just make sure its cooled down in a pile of sand to keep the heat in as long as possible to prevent cracking.
 
LH rod is the damaged one. I have a RH one here and it conforms to the picture of the RH one above...plus that little kink highlighted by rhanagar's drawing just shouldn't be there.
 
Thanks one an all. Thats confirmed my first impressions. Mike I've already sent a PM, looks like I will need that left hand one after all!

Thanks again

Huw
 
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