Rear Control Arm Washers, Spacers... is there a Trick? Talk to me Goose! | FerrariChat

Rear Control Arm Washers, Spacers... is there a Trick? Talk to me Goose!

Discussion in '308/328' started by Imatk, Jul 7, 2024.

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  1. Imatk

    Imatk Formula Junior

    May 6, 2007
    769
    I've spent an entire day trying to get the rear hub onto just ONE of the arms.

    I started with the lower... the spacers/washers kept pushing out. So I tried tying up the hub so it was more level... spacers/washers kept pushing out.

    So then I tried putting the shock in and bolting it to the hub, only to find out that it the spring needs to be compressed to fit into the thing so that it's level... the hub was pushed much to far down to even get it on the lower arm.

    So I took the shock out.

    Then I took the lower arm out.

    Then I tried doing the upper arm... same problem every time I would get the hub almost in there the washer/spacer would squeeze out.

    So I'm at a loss here... not sure how the heck to get this thing on so anyone with helpful tips I'm all ears.
     
  2. ang308

    ang308 Formula Junior
    Silver Subscribed

    Sep 17, 2004
    450
    Stamford, CT
    Full Name:
    Billy
    I’m about to tackle that job this week. I wish I had answers for you. Someone here for sure will chime in
     
    Imatk likes this.
  3. Imatk

    Imatk Formula Junior

    May 6, 2007
    769
    This is as far as I could get and there's no way I can squeeze it in once one side is in.

    And if I try to put the hub between the spacers on both sides it just won't slide in without pushing one or the other spacer out.

    Image Unavailable, Please Login
     
  4. Rifledriver

    Rifledriver Three Time F1 World Champ

    Apr 29, 2004
    37,106
    Cowboy Capitol of the World
    Full Name:
    Brian Crall
    #4 Rifledriver, Jul 7, 2024
    Last edited: Jul 7, 2024
    The spring does not need to be compressed to install the shock. Sounds like it is assembled wrong. The shock/spring assembly is the droop limiter so by definition it will fit with suspension hanging.

    I attach the upright to the arms with all washers, shims and rubber seals in place. Never found a way to place the small parts with upright already in place.
     
  5. Imatk

    Imatk Formula Junior

    May 6, 2007
    769
    Yeah the picture was my last attempt. I had been putting them all in place, then I would try to move the hub into the arm and they wouldn't fit. It's like I need an extra 2 mm of space to get the thing to slide in there.

    Watching this video... this guy looks like he has WAY more space to fit them in.

    Starts around 14:57



    At one point I got the edges in... but in order to even move it farther I needed to hammer the arm to get it to slide down... (that was after many hours of attempting to even get it that far) when I started to tap on the arm the shims popped right out and fell to the floor... again
     
  6. Imatk

    Imatk Formula Junior

    May 6, 2007
    769
    In contrast, here's the clearance on my arm. And this is true for both upper and lower.

    The C-Clamps are the only way I can get the shims to even stay in place without them constantly falling on the floor.


    http://www.samjam.com/Ferrari/Shims.mp4
     
  7. Rifledriver

    Rifledriver Three Time F1 World Champ

    Apr 29, 2004
    37,106
    Cowboy Capitol of the World
    Full Name:
    Brian Crall
    How can the shims possibly fall on the floor when they are held in place by pins?
    Why would any auto manufacturer build a car where the parts required do not fit into the space provided for them?
    You have wrong or damaged parts or you are assembling it incorrectly. There are no other choices.
     
  8. Imatk

    Imatk Formula Junior

    May 6, 2007
    769
    Sorry the thin shims are not falling, the metal caps that go over the shims are falling.
     
  9. Imatk

    Imatk Formula Junior

    May 6, 2007
    769
    Here's a video of me assembling the other side (passenger) upper arm.

    I'm sure I'm doing something wrong, I just don't know what. Since this one also doesn't fit on the opposite side with a different hub.

    If you see anything I'm doing wrong please let me know.

    http://www.samjam.com/Ferrari/ShimsAssembly.m4v
     
  10. Imatk

    Imatk Formula Junior

    May 6, 2007
    769
    Ok so I got them on. But only after I pulled the axle off with the hub.

    Once I got it on the bench I could see much easier and line it up much easier.

    The only thing I can figure is because the axle wasn't completely torqued and in place (I had it bolted up but just hand-tight) that caused enough of a variance that the hub wasn't in the correct position.

    I had to remove it to replace a torn CV boot.

    The lower arm I still needed to use a couple C-Clamps to keep the damn spacers in place without falling out constantly.

    And I did have to tap them down with a hammer slowly, one side and then the other.

    The upper slid right on without any issues.

    Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
     
  11. Vonbarron

    Vonbarron Formula 3
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    Aug 26, 2014
    2,262
    Westside Mofo
    Full Name:
    S B
    I use a touch of bushing lube on the surface of each washer and rubber, never slides or falls especially with the washer having the pin locater
     

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