Rear Spherical Bearings Conversion on Stock Arms

[Redd]

Originally Posted by amg6975

I like this solution a lot. I didn't realize it was an option but I think I'll be going with this.

I would also say, I would not hesitate to run spherical on the toe link, the one on the very back side of the knuckle. I think that will see the most benefit from the spherical, has not had any issues, and doesn't even have the factory taper.

Problem with PU has always been noise. They will dry up and squeak after a few months.

Our M3 stock toe links are already spherical on both ends. The weakness of the stock toe link is the eccentric bolt that is used to set the toe.

[Ghmpin]

Rogue has some similar to what SPL has. It’s a spherical insert, not a washer.

https://www.rogueengineering.com/Rog...-V20_p_92.html

[ENinetyLou]

Originally Posted by kolosy

So I got my missing groundcontrol washers, and ended up with a set of ones meant for the spherical conversion (bought them before changing my mind). it's an interesting comparison

Attachment 3369898

Attachment 3369899

Attachment 3369900

the GC ones are 1.5mm thicker, and have an odd lip on the flat side. i was going to say that it mates up with the spherical bushing inside the arm, but it doesn't -- the opening is smaller than the OD of the bushing. hopefully they aren't just wrong, but not sure what the purpose of that cut out is.

I just got a set of Ground Control Rear Arms and they came with 8 washers like this. After reading about the bolt shearing situations, I'm strongly considering returning these GC Arms and just postponing my control arm replacements.

Going to call GC tomorrow and ask them about this issue and if they've heard about it. Anybody already spoken with them?

[tsk94]

Originally Posted by MaximusB

Has anyone with GC arms managed to shear a bolt?

Originally Posted by Redd

Not to my knowledge but I don't keep track of those things.

I had no issues with mine for ~3 seasons on my previous car. Not saying that means they cannot fail though.
I just bought another set for my new build, so hopefully all is good this time around again...

[ENinetyLou]

Originally Posted by tsk94

I had no issues with mine for ~3 seasons on my previous car. Not saying that means they cannot fail though.
I just bought another set for my new build, so hopefully all is good this time around again...

What kind of bolts did you install with? Factory bolts or ARP? How many track days through those ~3 seasons?

[tsk94]

Originally Posted by ENinetyLou

What kind of bolts did you install with? Factory bolts or ARP? How many track days through those ~3 seasons?

I did new OEM bolts.
~45-50 days on them in that time.

[amg6975]

I got around to doing the Powerflex Black bushing install. I'm a lot happier with this solution. I can't imagine the difference between this and bearings will be noticeable, and these were way easier to install. I used new ARP bolts for this install, torqued to 98ft-lbs.

Again not really a professional opinion but I'll certainly sleep better at night.