Front Track Bar Heim Joint

[JeepGeek]

The heim joint (I think that's what it's called) on my RE1600 adjustable track bar has developed a little slop. The track bar bolts are torqued to spec.
If I hold the heim joint with one hand and hit the track bar with the other hand I can hear a clunk and feel the heim joint move vertically a fraction of an inch. Is a little movement normal or is it time to replace the rod end?

Rob

[Stu Olson]

What do you consider "spec" on the RE1600?

Does this one have the drilled out 5/8" hole for mounting the heim bolt?

[JeepGeek]

Originally posted by Stu Olson
What do you consider "spec" on the RE1600?

Does this one have the drilled out 5/8" hole for mounting the heim bolt?

55 ft-lbs on the rubber bushing end and 165 ft-lbs on the heim joint end.
Yes I did drill the hole to 5/8" to accommodate the heim bolt. The bolt is not moving, seems to be just the round outer ring of the heim joint.

Rob

[Stu Olson]

Rob,

OK on the torque specs.....it was the heim end I was concerned about. A lot of folks don't torque that RE bolt tight enough. It sounds as though you have IDed the problem. I ran the same one for 2 1/2 years and am glad to report that it never got any slop in it. (except for the stripped out bolt that a fab shop managed to do)

[JeepGeek]

Stu,

So what you're saying is that the heim joint should NOT have any slop in it and mine probably needs to be replaced?

Rob

[Stu Olson]

Mine had no play in it that I ever noticed.

My experience with heim joints is limited....but I would think that having one with some slop in it would not be the desired configuration.

[Tim]

jeeeze rob..

now i gotta go out and lookit mine.

[JeepGeek]

Stu - Thanks for your input. I think I will order up a new heim joint later this week.


Tim - You've been ignoring your Jeep lately, you need to go spend some quality time with her...

Rob