P500 Help With Diagnosis

[futzin]

Got the stock A-arms removed.
Ready for what-the-heckever I'm gonna put back!

Pic of the suspect upper A-arm. Figure the angle is too much...

 

[Admin]

 

[Smitty335]

Got the stock A-arms removed.
Ready for what-the-heckever I'm gonna put back!

Pic of the suspect upper A-arm. Figure the angle is too much...
View attachment 401922

Man you must have hit something hard! Do you remember any hard hits?

 

[futzin]

No hard hit, severe downhill sideways pinch at full steering lock passenger.
Video on the Shots From the Trail thread...

 

[futzin]

See post #83 here for direct comparison of upper A-arms...

 

[lee]

Are you sure that arm is bent?
You might have another look at the upper rear suspension mount on the frame.

 

[906UP]

Are you sure that arm is bent?
You might have another look at the upper rear suspension mount on the frame.

I thought the same, the arm looks OK to me but without seeing it in person it's hard to tell.

 

[futzin]

"Are you sure that arm is bent?
You might have another look at the upper rear suspension mount on the frame."


Thought it was , I guess I need another one removed to directly compare. Or maybe use some sort of angle finder on this one and then on one on my 520.

That upper rear A-arm mount is certainly bent; it had the arm pinched so that it was a bit difficult to get it out.

What would I do about that?

Man, this is frustrating for a non-mechanic. I appreciate the help!!

 

[906UP]

That upper rear A-arm mount is certainly bent; it had the arm pinched so that it was a bit difficult to get it out.

What would I do about that?

Man, this is frustrating for a non-mechanic. I appreciate the help!!

A big hammer!!!! You're over thinking this, it's just metal. Use the other side as a guide, measure, smack! & repeat until you get the mount back where it should be.

A small bend at the mount will get amplified at the end of the A arm due to the distance.

 

[futzin]

Thanks. I really didn't think that bent tab on one mount had any effect. The bolt came out cleanly, btw.

 

[futzin]

Also, after removing the lower arm, I could not re-thread the castle nut onto the ball joint stud; it spins.

 

[906UP]

Also, after removing the lower arm, I could not re-thread the castle nut onto the ball joint stud; it spins.

No biggy, the threads can get a little phuckered up from the castle nut, a thread file or knife file will work to clean the threads, I've also had to use a C clamp or vise grips to "press" the ball joint back into the taper on the A arm to help hold it so you can get the nut back on & tight.

 

[lee]

Also, after removing the lower arm, I could not re-thread the castle nut onto the ball joint stud; it spins.

Seat the ball joint stud - whack it with a rubber mallet.
The tapered stud should hold the nut torque once it is set.

On the upper arm frame mount, check the pipe the tab is welded to.
That pipe might have been known to bend in towards the center of the vehicle on the early models (15 & 16).
The rear mount (of the two upper front mount tabs) will move in.
The '18s should be not quite so prone to do this, but there is always that one guy...

 

[906UP]

Then SMACK IT!!!!

 

[futzin]

View attachment 401980

Then SMACK IT!!!!

As I recall, he then started throwing wrenches at people!

 

[futzin]

I'm also having a tough time knowing if a ball joint is good or not. A few of them move rather freely/easily; one was leaking grease.

 

[906UP]

As I recall, he then started throwing wrenches at people!

 

[906UP]

I'm also having a tough time knowing if a ball joint is good or not. A few of them move rather freely/easily; one was leaking grease.

Moving freely is OK but if it has "play"....... if you can feel slop like it's loose in the seat then it's bad. I don't think they're all that expensive so if in doubt just replace them

 

[pappyo]

Simple Method to check <> for Bent A-Arm

Carefully make accurate Cardboard "Template" <> of the suspected bent area <> on the bench of the one you have off <> for comparison.
A Lot Less Work / Easier / Quicker

When you ride Hard.
It's All Part of the Fun you Will have.
Like the 60's Snowmobiles
Ride & Fix.

 

[Smitty335]

My brain hurts, would ya'll stop thinking OUT LOUD! HA!

 

[futzin]

Roughed up a template.
I'd say it's bent.
What say y'all?

P500:

P520, aligned with main body of arm:

P520, aligned with ball joint angled end of arm: