Hiem joint question

[Rich]

The rear end on my Unique has two arms, with hiem joints on either end, that connect from the frame to the rear end. The frame bracket is wider than the joint and, consequently, there's some side to side slop. Should the rotating joint be mounted so it's stationary and the arm is the only part that moves?

Rich

[ERA535]

I would say yes.

Put some spacers between the heim and the bracket.

Are you talking about the two arms that go back from the rear suspension to the frame?

[Rich]

These arms go from the suspension forward to the frame.

Rich

[Rick Parker]

Rich: The machined ball that the bolt goes through should be in a pinched condition by the bolt that passes through it with no side to side slop. Measure with vernier calipers (if possible) the width of the ball and subtract that dimension from the internal width of the bracket where the bolt passes through it and the ball portion of the rod end. Divide the dimension in half, assuming the rod end is centered and make spacers to center the rod end in the bracket itself. These may simply be able to be bolt washers or better yet have a machinist knock them out for you.

Rick.......

[Rich]

ERA535 & Rick, it seemed logical to have them tight, but my logic has failed me before. Thanks.

Rich

[ERA535]

Rich-

Rick made an important point in his advice to you.

NEVER just crank down on the fastener that goes through the heim in order to eliminate play. ALWAYS make sure to make a spacer that fits in there properly so that when you tightn the fastener the bracket holding the heim doesn't bend.

I have seen situations where there has been so much clearance between the heim and the bracket that when it was cranked down tight and the brackets were forced to bend, the bracket actually developed cracks - not a safe situation!

[Andy FIA]

I have Heim joints on the lower A-arms on the front of the Hi-Tech, the ones fitted do not have seals on the outside. Are these a good idea to keep the crap out, or do they tend to retain any grit that gets inside and wear out the joint quicker.
Who makes the best joints with seals?

Andy

[ERA535]

I would imagine that these are fairly large heims?

I don't think that you can get heims with seals when they are that large - a fairly regular inspection schedule is what is called for, looking for increased play between the ball and the race.

Check with any of the heim manufacturers - Aurora, Baker, NMB, etc. for heims in your size that have seals....

I prefer heims without seals - blow with compressed air to clean.

[mr bruce]

www.sealsit.com

[Andy FIA]

Mr Bruce, if those seals are OK for the dirt then they should be fine on the street I guess.

Andy

[poorboy]

Rich;
Sounds like you have an early version Unique with the forward trailing arms. I would update it to their rear trailing arm setup, which will give you better suspension travel.

Poorboy

[Rich]

Poorboy,

What's involved in updating the suspension?

Rich