Can I drive without TC rods?
Can I drive without TC rods?
I have been doing a full bushing replacement on my S13 and found that when the old TC rod bushing wore out it actually pulled the metal frame that the bushing mounts through sideways. Now you can either have the bushing end or the other end of the rod bolted down, not both. I can bend that metal into place so it'll fit, but I need to get the car to my shop on a lift. Can I drive a short distance without those rods??
I wouldn't. You can't just take the TC rod and get it repressed with a new bushing? I had to drive with a bad bushing in a T/C rod and it felt like under any acceleration or braking the car would pull very hard to one side. I can't imagine doing it w/o a t/c rod at all. I say tow it if it is a short distance instead of breaking something else on the way there
Yes, that's the point. When I pressed the new ones in they don't line up with the metal pulled by the worn out one. Maybe I can floor-jack it up enough to get my metal-whanging hammer in there........ Also, does anyone know if you need to have the wheels on the ground for everything to line up, or have the front jacked up unilaterally??
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encasemyheart
- Posts: 634
- Joined: Wed Sep 25, 2002 1:29 pm
Yeah when I did mine I had the car on jackstands and put my floor jack under the control arm and manuvered it into position. It's not easy or anything, but it can be done.
As for driving, I would only do it if you could drive VERY slowly to the shop. When driving it you should know how fast is too fast by how the car feels. And besides, you're only one tension rod short right?
As for driving, I would only do it if you could drive VERY slowly to the shop. When driving it you should know how fast is too fast by how the car feels. And besides, you're only one tension rod short right?
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96_S14_SE
- Posts: 973
- Joined: Wed Nov 06, 2002 11:10 am
- Car: 96 S14 SE - 05 VW GTI 1.8t - 89 S13 coupe "gold on brown"
BTW for what its worth I always put them on with the car up, but tighten and torque with the car on the ground. This removes any tension in the bushing that can arise from being tourqed one way then twisted when the car is dropped. But on the poly bushings if you lube them up enough they shouldnt have a problem twisting around the center metal bushing / spacer... Mostly comes into play with the oem filled ones.