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Date:         Tue, 5 Sep 2023 11:44:48 -0400
Reply-To:     Jack R <jack007@COMCAST.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Jack R <jack007@COMCAST.NET>
Subject:      I drove home from the U.P. with this clunk.
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="UTF-8"


I’ve done extensive suspension work on my 84 Westy over the past 4 years.




1.      PowerFlex bushing replaced at nearly all front end points, except used VW Control Arm Bushing - Lemforder 251407077




2.      New Power steering rack with PowerFlex bushings, new end links.




3.      T3-Swaybar and end-links




4.      Benz 16” wheels, 30 off-set




My camber has been an issue for some time now, about 4 years ago I changed the upper control arm bushings and had a “proper alignment” completed… the alignment didn’t hold, and ruined my tire after a long trip from Detroit to Wilmington DE...  Purchased new tire and had a second “proper alignment” which brought it close to specs, but caster was still off.  So, I decided last summer to take it to one of the top VW shops in the Detroit area, which did a fantastic job bringing everything as close to perfect that I’ve experienced.  Drove the van around on short trips this summer, with only one stalling instance due to water in the fuel.   Fixed that, and decided it was road worthy for a trip to Michigan’s upper peninsula!  With stops along the way, total of 800 miles!!  Van handled wonderful, but a “clunk” appeared again about ½ way up… which I thought was an end-link issue on sharp U-Turns.  Continued to the UP, and drove over 20 miles on unpaved roads.  80 MPH at times, 4 speed 2.1L motor.


 


When hitting traffic, I noticed a consistent “clunk” when applying the brakes.  Found the cause… a loose camber nut!


 


 <https://photos.app.goo.gl/ZUsX6zx25KAo7gX68> https://photos.app.goo.gl/ZUsX6zx25KAo7gX68


.  


It's amazing the front suspension didn't fly apart.  We even drove on over 20 miles of unpaved roads.


 


Found out after the 3rd and most expensive alignment, none of the shops replaced the $2 camber nut that is designed to stay tight at 54 ft lbs


Here’s a link to the nut! Nut for Upper Control Arm Bolt – T3 Technique <https://t3technique.com/collections/front-suspension-parts/products/nut-for-upper-control-arm-bolt> 


Jack R.
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