30thanniv

iTrader: (2)

I had a UMI K member installed recently. The alignment shop aligned the car and all was well until a few hard stops and the front bolt holding the lower front control arm to the K member slid.

I watched the shop tighten the bolt. It appears that the bolt didn't grip properly to the K member due to the powder coating. Wondering if anyone has had similar issues and what solutions are there to prevent this.

Should I just have the shop re-tighten it and hope for the best?

TheNutDriver

iTrader: (1)

I would suggest that it simply wasn't tightened up enough. If it was, the powder coat should have been displaced by the washer and nut down to the metal of the K member.

RAMPANT

iTrader: (17)

My RR version has been heavily abused and stayed fine. I went off track and did have them move, but it was a hell of a ride and nothing was damaged. They need to be tight.

30thanniv

iTrader: (2)

TY both. I am going to have this addressed this week.

UMI Tech

I just replied to your email. Sometimes we've recommended roughing the washers on problem units. It seems to usually be a tightening issue. And agree as above, once you disrupt the powder coat it seems to grip better. I'd retighten and give it a try.

For those with a shop or tools handy you can also put a small tack weld on the washer. It doesn't take much at all.


ramey

UMI Performance

iTrader: (77)

I just saw your PM as well.

Occasionally we get the alignment shops that do not tighten those bolts tight enough, since it is a slot there is always a chance of movement so they need to be tight. If you have UMI a-arms as well the bushing sleeves or rod ends spacers are designed not bind the a-arm when tightened tight.

The only downfall to them moving is once they move they tend make a path and want to keep following it, at least this is my experience. Maybe grab some extra lock washers like a star style to dig in a little more.

Hope that helps.

30thanniv

iTrader: (2)

TY gentlemen.

BMR Sales2

iTrader: (40)

Are you still using the stock hardware? I see this a lot with stock bolts. Usually I recommend running aftermarket hardware and running the torque higher to help provide better clamping force

30thanniv

iTrader: (2)

Purchased new bolts, washers and lock washers. Tomorrow car getting re-aligned.

bnastystuntz

iTrader: (1)

my chassis shop just set the alignment then welded the apropiate washers to the k member so i would not have issues with the lower a arm moving and coming out of alignment. this is good to do especially if ur running aftermarket tubular a arms on the slotted style k members.. just another option u could look into doing...

30thanniv

iTrader: (2)

@bnastystuntz thanks for suggestion. I have had the car aligned once again with new hardware, washers and lock washers and it was torqued higher. So far its holding. A friend of mine with BMR k-member had same place do his alignment and used same hardware and no issues.

I don't expect to be having trouble again. If I do, I will likely have a tack weld applied.

NewOrleansLT1

This ^^

UMI Performance

iTrader: (77)

Good to hear.

This happens but not as often as you'd thing. Track cars with sticky front tires we now use a-arm locks to prevent any front end movement. Street cars usually a-okay.

Thanks again for choosing UMI.

bnastystuntz

iTrader: (1)

can u pm me the part number for these a arm locks.. thanks

30thanniv

iTrader: (2)

Me too please. Thanks.

UMI Performance

iTrader: (77)

The locks are built into the road race k-members and not something that can really be purchased and installed. They would need to be welded on if purchased, see image.

http://umiperformance.com/catalog/im...1aaaaa_LRG.jpg