"Radius Arm Cups"

[Nebuchadnezzar]

Can someone explain the problem with the radius arm cups for me? A mechanic-friend of mine suggested that I check into checking these as possible source of my clunking noise.

What are the possible fixes for this? He suggested attempting to reweld the sleeve back to the subframe, if it is broken off. He also said that if they go bad, and are driven long while bad, the subframe can sometimes need to be replaced.

Any thoughts?

 

[pjtoledo]

Nebuchadnezzar:
Can someone explain the problem with the radius arm cups for me? A mechanic-friend of mine suggested that I check into checking these as possible source of my clunking noise.

What are the possible fixes for this? He suggested attempting to reweld the sleeve back to the subframe, if it is broken off. He also said that if they go bad, and are driven long while bad, the subframe can sometimes need to be replaced.

Any thoughts?

He is correct. Where the tension strut attaches to the subframe is not just a flat piece of metal. There are large stand-offs, or cups welded to the metal there. It is these cups that properly locate the rubber bushings on the tension strut. So, when the cups break loose, parts start to move and rattle around up there. Lots of clunking, and yes, 2 pieces of metal rubbing together can make a big hole in one of them. By the way, it is the tension strut pushing on the cups that moves the car forward, and stopping is acomplished by pulling on the cups. So they don't just locate the wheel, they take most of the stress of accelerating and stopping!!!
Perry Toledo,Ohio

 

[Nebuchadnezzar]

Boy, that WAS the problem. The job was much easier than I anticipated. Simply bolted off the nut that is on the front side of the subframe (that thing was ON there!), pulled the washer, pulled the rubber bushing, and whooooo boy. I didn't have a whole lot of metal left. But, rough-wheel the area so it's clean, hit it with the welder, lay a thick bead, let it cool... reassemble.

Easy as pie. Now on to those subframe bushings. Is it normal to be able to grab the subframe and move it around?

Thanks again everyone.

 

[Shoman94]

Now on to those subframe bushings. Is it normal to be able to grab the subframe and move it around?

Thanks again everyone.[/QB][/QUOTE]

hehehe...ummm no. This is not normal to move the subframe. Sounds like its time for some new bushings or more. You'll have to remove the bushings and see whats going on in there. I'm sure you'll need new bushings and bolts all around.

Jason