SPL FLCA Technical Service Bulletin

[underdonk]

Important information for those of us running them: https://www.splparts.com/tsb-2301/

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[frankenm]

The existing bolt is huge and clearance is super tight on my 18' setup already the replacement is even bigger I don't know if that will clear my 18 wheels uh oh

 

[underdonk]

Yeah, it's a bad situation and not a great look for a part going on cars that will likely be tracked. I suppose this type of failure is one that only comes to light after 10 of thousands of hours of people stressing the components, though. It appears they are not covering the cost of replacement bolts for some but are for others. I don't know the reasons either way.

 

[suicidaleggroll]

So if I’m reading that right, they want us to test if it’s currently torqued to at least 110 ft lb, if not then replace it, but if it is then they want us to completely remove the bolt, inspect it (and replace it if it shows any sign of bending), clean the threads, then re-install it at 180 ft lb dry (IIRC the initial install said to use oil to lube it?). They also specify that the nut can only be installed/torqued twice before needing to be replaced, so if you’ve ever removed/loosened it before then it needs to be replaced regardless.

 

[underdonk]

So if I’m reading that right, they want us to test if it’s currently torqued to at least 110 ft lb, if not then replace it, but if it is then they want us to completely remove the bolt, inspect it (and replace it if it shows any sign of bending), clean the threads, then re-install it at 180 ft lb dry (IIRC the initial install said to use oil to lube it?). They also specify that the nut can only be installed/torqued twice before needing to be replaced, so if you’ve ever removed/loosened it before then it needs to be replaced regardless.

That's how I read it as well. The replacement parts (new design as noted in the TSB) are about $16, according to what I'm seeing elsewhere. I'm just going to buy the replacements (x2 additional sets for future use) and install them rather than dicking around with it. I'm not sure how I feel about having to pay for the replacement parts (minus extras).

It does make me question the design of this part if a procedure like this is required even with replacement hardware...

 

[suicidaleggroll]

That's how I read it as well. The replacement parts (new design as noted in the TSB) are about $16, according to what I'm seeing elsewhere. I'm just going to buy the replacements (x2 additional sets for future use) and install them rather than dicking around with it. I'm not sure how I feel about having to pay for the replacement parts (minus extras).

It does make me question the design of this part if a procedure like this is required even with replacement hardware...

$58 from SPL direct:
https://www.splparts.com/products/lower-control-arm-replacement-stud-kit.html

Where are you seeing it for $16?

 

[underdonk]

$58 from SPL direct:
https://www.splparts.com/products/lower-control-arm-replacement-stud-kit.html

Where are you seeing it for $16?

Someone was talking about it on some Discord server I'm on. It was from a local distributor (I don't know their locality). Another person said their distributor would provide replacements for free. For $58 I'd still just buy replacements and bank a couple of extras.

 

[Evolution]

I would look more into something like a grade F11 bolt seeing how this is what keeps your spindle connected to the arm. Definitely not something I would cheap out on.

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