QA-1 Thrust Bearings/Washers??

There is one set of washers included with the QA-1's.

I can only guess to what these thrust bearings and washers are for, but my guess is that these are meant to make it easier for you to turn up the adjustment rings on the shocks.

I've just finished mine (on 308GT4), and I have adjusted the lengths of the shocks while they were on the car. I've got 300 lbs springs, which are not the softest either. Okay, adjusting takes some force (reduced considerably by spraying some WD-40 or similar on the face of the washer and spring), but I'd say the bearings and extra washer are not needed. I'd spend that money on some extra fuel to enjoy the very much improved ride....

FWIW

Hans

 

Indeed --- the needle bearing plates are to greatly reduce the effort required to turn the ride height adjusters. However-- these are of more value for a track car where you may be changing ride height to suit track conditions and/or fine-tuning handling characteristics. For a street car, once you set the ride height you rarely mess with the adjusters again.

IMO --- of course.

regards,

Mike M.

 

Be sure to put some good quality anti-sieze on the threads per the manufacturers directions. Makes it easier to turn too.

 

The bearings actually will reduce the friction in the suspension. As the "coil" spring (not a coil, actually a helix) compresses/ extends there is movement relative to the upper and lower spring mounts. The helical springs twist as they compress and extend.

OE road car springs are mounted with elastic bushings to reduce noise, vibration and harshness (NVH). With race car, we don't care about certain kinds of NVH so reducing friction is more important.

Best,
Rob

 

What he^^ said. I put them on mine, just because my race cars always had them. Probably not needed for a street car, but...

Spang