Front end specialists, nut/bolt replacement? (answered)

[Indrid cold]

When totally redoing a front end (struts, bushings, ball joint etc) is there any nuts and bolts that SHOULD be replaced once they are removed?

 

You know, one time use and best to just throw away and get new...

 

the chiltons specs out replacing the locking nuts that connect the Transverse link to the Leading rod (I think, 17 mm self-Locking nut) but is that what the shops do?

 

(Just about ready to set my Brat on its front wheels and start torquing... so I thought I better ask.)

 

Thanks guys, just wanted some input on this. Most nuts/lock washers look good, cleaned the treads etc, new castle nuts with tie-rods and ball joints. The self locking seems to still have alot of bite so I will re-use them.

[chazmataz]

not that i'm aware of. i have never replaced any bolts or nuts unless they we're strip or broke. your preferance but if your worried about any just use blue locktite but don't use any other color or it will be hell to remove if you ever have to. the only thing that you have to torque with the vehicle on the ground sitting on its tires are the control arm bushings, everything else can be torqued up in the air.

[Reveeen]

When totally redoing a front end (struts, bushings, ball joint etc) is there any nuts and bolts that SHOULD be replaced once they are removed?

 

Technically: any locknut, anything you had to heat to take apart, should be replaced.

The reality is usually quite different.

I always make it a point to replace stuff I have had to heat, I replace locknuts if I have them, either wack them with a hammer, or use locktite, if I don't.

[idosubaru]

i wouldn't typically replace anything. axle nuts are often replaced, but new axles come with them so that's easy enough. but i've reused them many times.

[Snowman]

New cotter pins on any nuts that use them for sure.

[Indrid cold]

the only thing that you have to torque with the vehicle on the ground sitting on its tires are the control arm bushings, everything else can be torqued up in the air.

ahh, copy that on the control arm bushings and torquing other stuf.

Thanks for the info, ... been fun experience, first time with all this.. not so scary now that I am past the half way point and things seem easier now.