Sleeving trailing arms?

**Slunnie** · 18th February 2009, 04:54 PM

Originally Posted by NSW RTA

Suspension

Besides assuring a comfortable ride, a vehicle’s suspension system controls wheel movement for handling and road
holding. Manufacturers conduct extensive test programs to develop suitable suspension settings. Adjustments, such
as lowering the vehicle, can upset the suspension characteristics and cause unpredictable handling. Generally, roll
stabilizer bars, axle locating rods, upgraded shock absorbers or upgraded springs may be used provided they are
suitable for the vehicle and are properly fitted. However, the following suspension modifications are not acceptable:

�� Welding forged components such as stub axles or control arms.

�� Fitting longer, non-standard shackles to leaf springs.

�� Fitting any additional components or altering the suspension so that the wheels or tyres may contact any
component under the full range of suspension and steering travel.

�� Fitting any additional components or altering the suspension ride height so that any part of the vehicle other
than a wheel or tyre can contact the road in the event of a tyre deflation.
If major changes to the suspension (such as substitution of a non standard front cross member) are carried out, they

Originally Posted by NSW RTA

should be done under the strict guidance of an engineering signatory.

This is at least NSW's guidelines and the lower links are not forged. There are a lot of companies that manufacture these parts for the aftermarket industry and they are pretty much all welded at the each end. Welding is not some type of thing that magically means there will be a failure, and a shop front (or lack of) doesn't mean it will be a good or bad product. I think most would be horrified to see the welding process that is used to manufacture a regular car body, but it works quite well.

**long stroke** · 18th February 2009, 05:24 PM

Can't see whats wrong with a couple of tack welds

**Slunnie** · 18th February 2009, 05:37 PM

Originally Posted by long stroke

Can't see whats wrong with a couple of tack welds

They can create stress raisers and precipitate cracks, but if it were my car I would notch the end down to suit the axle bush and then machine (or grind) a taper down and then just 2 tacks onto the ring that holds the axle bush to stop the sleeve from moving. If were siliconed in place then it would do the same thing without the welds - its just there to hold a sleeve which is to prevent any bending.

**long stroke** · 18th February 2009, 05:56 PM

Originally Posted by Slunnie

They can create stress raisers and precipitate cracks, but if it were my car I would notch the end down to suit the axle bush and then machine (or grind) a taper down and then just 2 tacks onto the ring that holds the axle bush to stop the sleeve from moving. If were siliconed in place then it would do the same thing without the welds - its just there to hold a sleeve which is to prevent any bending.

Ok Thanks Slunnie

I'll see what happens.

TIM.

**rovercare** · 18th February 2009, 06:46 PM

Originally Posted by PAT303

No,never been in a fatality but have been in two accidents,neither my fault were both cars were inspected and and proceedings were halted until a writen RWC report was supplied. Pat

What state? hard to produce a certificate of roadworthiness on a bent vehicle

**PAT303** · 18th February 2009, 07:33 PM

I'm not getting into a pi&&ing contest rovercare,it is not allowed and you will be found at fault.We on this forum have a certain amount of duty of care,I think it is wrong to give people advice about things that make thier vehicle unroadworthy or unsafe.The inspections were done in both cases to show any variations to the pink slip RWC at the last rego check.NSW is far ahead than other states on this. Pat

**rovercare** · 18th February 2009, 07:40 PM

Originally Posted by PAT303

I'm not getting into a pi&&ing contest rovercare. Pat

Well put it away then

**PAT303** · 18th February 2009, 07:46 PM

Where having a beer one day,your shout. Pat

**Slunnie** · 18th February 2009, 07:49 PM

Originally Posted by PAT303

I'm not getting into a pi&&ing contest rovercare,it is not allowed and you will be found at fault.We on this forum have a certain amount of duty of care,I think it is wrong to give people advice about things that make thier vehicle unroadworthy or unsafe.The inspections were done in both cases to show any variations to the pink slip RWC at the last rego check.NSW is far ahead than other states on this. Pat

I still haven't seen any evidence to suggest that this type or modification or the links that I manufactured would in any way make the car somehow unroadworthy as suggested. These things are manufactured regularly.

**rick130** · 18th February 2009, 08:07 PM

Originally Posted by Slunnie

I still haven't seen any evidence to suggest that this type or modification or the links that I manufactured would in any way make the car somehow unroadworthy as suggested. These things are manufactured regularly.

If major changes to the suspension (such as substitution of a non standard front cross member) are carried out, they
should be done under the strict guidance of an engineering signatory.

It could be argued that a newly fabricated suspension arm would constitute a visit to an engineer, or at least that's always been my understanding, but I might be wrong too.
Also, don't the companies making components have to submit or certify that whatever it is they are making meets relevant standards regarding fabrication and welding ?

Hmm, saying that, my HD tied rod and drag link could be illegal too, but it isn't welded.......

Oh poop, this is getting like the tubes/vs tubeless thread and I was one of the naughty boys in that one

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