[DML] Trailing Arm Bolt Maintenance

[tobyp@xxxxxxxxxxxx]

Hi Gang - I wanted to bring out a good point that was shared with me 
in an email message off-list.  The typical DeLorean owner has heard 
that they should check the torque on the TAB's on a semi-regular 
basis.  This is an excellent practice, but it doesn't go quite far 
enough, as illustrated by David T.'s story of his corroded and 
seized TAB.  The point that was brought up to me is that a simple 
torque check will not show a seized bolt, but will only check for 
the tightness of the nut.  If the bolt is corroded and seized in 
place, there is a very real possibility of inadequate clamp-up in 
the joint, which is why the bolts are torqued in the first place.  
The proper maintenance steps are to loosen the nut, spin the bolt to 
verify straightness and freedom to spin, check all elements in the 
joint for condition (flat washers, shims, rubber bushings, and 
bushing retainer plate and attachment bolts), and then retorque the 
bolt if all is found in acceptable condition.  I am going to suggest 
that everybody do these things, even if they have TOBY-TAB's 
installed, so that the condition of all the other bits are 
monitored.  As was pointed out to me ... the TOBY-TAB's will never 
corrode, but everything around them can.  Always use anti-seize 
compound with any and all bolts that you work with ... you'll be 
glad you did.

Toby Peterson  VIN 2248 "Winged1"
DeLorean Parts Northwest, LLC
www.delorean-parts.com  








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