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Bolt Directions!?!

Discussion in '308/328' started by sltillim, Oct 17, 2022.

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  1. sltillim

    sltillim Formula 3
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    Nov 22, 2009
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    #1 sltillim, Oct 17, 2022
    I've been getting deeper into my GT4 and pulled both rear suspension assemblies over the last few weekends. Previously the deepest I had gone was pulling the alternator (this one baffles me too!). I am finding tons of bolts that are put in the opposite of functional directions - meaning they back into the frame or some other assembly. If they had just turned the bolts around, this wouldn't be so. The long bolt on the alternator, A-Arm to frame... Is it some cardinal sin to reverse the direction on these when I put everything back together? I don't care about concourse points - I just want to easily work on my car....

    I know all the jokes about what time it came off the assembly line - haha.

    Cheers!
     
  2. Portofino

    Portofino Formula Junior

    Sep 17, 2011
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    #2 Portofino, Oct 17, 2022
    The alternator long bolt facing in is a gift .Otherwise it’s a hassle removing it from the inside due to the oil dip stick .
    Suspension classically the bolts should face rearwards so in hypothetical circumstances the nut drops off the bolt stays in .
    I don’t see an issue with either .
     
  3. mike996

    mike996 F1 Veteran

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    #3 mike996, Oct 18, 2022
    "Suspension classically the bolts should face rearwards so in hypothetical circumstances the nut drops off the bolt stays in ."

    How does facing rearwards (or frontwards) affect a suspension bolt staying in if the nut is missing? Seems like it could just as easily move in either direction.
     
  4. Steve Magnusson

    Steve Magnusson Two Time F1 World Champ
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    #4 Steve Magnusson, Oct 18, 2022
    Isn't it more that in the stock arrangement the bolt thru the A-arm bushing physically can't fall out if the nut comes off? Although this makes it a hassle to remove that bolt (needing the mounting fork to be removed from the frame), can't really fault the manufacturer for picking safety over servicing convenience -- JMO.
     
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  5. sltillim

    sltillim Formula 3
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    #5 sltillim, Oct 18, 2022
    I get it - speed and inertia are supposed to hold it in. but in reality it the friction and pivoting that will probably either keep it in or push it out, regardless of direction.

    @Steve Magnusson - good point as always!!!! At least on the GT4 it seems the bolt is able to back out just far enough that it wouldn't hold the a-arm but can't be pulled out ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ Maybe it is enough to hold it in.
     
  6. ProvaMo

    ProvaMo Formula Junior

    Jun 29, 2004
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    #6 ProvaMo, Oct 22, 2022
    Barring other design considerations (like the 308 front upper config), I believe that most automotive suspension nuts are typically to the rear for various reasons: 1- Reduced chance of road debris thread damage, making disassembly more challenging, where front threads have increased possibility of capturing road debris, 2- Possibly less corrosion, 3- If a nut falls off, and driving steady state, possible more time for the bolt to work it's way forward and 4- Maybe aerodynamics(?). Just some thoughts... I'm not a suspension engineer, would look forward to hearing from others.
     
  7. mike996

    mike996 F1 Veteran

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    #7 mike996, Oct 23, 2022
    Sometimes things are done because they seem like a good idea that, in practice, doesn't matter. For example it was common, at least into the '60's for some manufacturers to use left-hand wheel attachment threads on the left side of cars. The thinking was that the bolts would tend to tighten rather than loosen in normal operation. Nobody does that now because it proved to be unnecessary.
     

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