NW Challenge Trip Report!!!

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ryan-in-oregon

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Ryan, or anyone who can validate the correct P/N for the uprated bold....please post the sourcing information (location, part number, price, etc) when available?

This seems like a no-brainer upgrade.

All you need to know is the following....Prices and part numbers will vary depending on supplier
Thread Dia M14
Pitch 2,0
Length 80MM

Stock is 10.9 Rated if I can find it I'll go 12.9 if not I am replacing the other bolt anyway!!!
 

Houm_WA

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I thought about replacing the stock bolts with stock bolts...but if they are failing in terms of static strength, then you aren't gaining anything. If it's a fatigue issue, then yeah, replacing the bolts with the factory bolt can result in a benefit.
 

umbertob

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I don't think it's fatigue, it must either be an insufficiently strong bolt or they are not torqued to specs at the factory on some vehicles. The way that control arm is designed, it kind of engages and swivels within its receptacle on the wheel hub, so that bolt's only job should be to keep the arm connected and pressed against the hub...

Anyway, in the one instance I witnessed the bolt snapped on an almost new MY09 LR3, first time off-roading so fatigue surely not a factor, and we were just riding at moderate speeds on a rutted dirt road (heading to Titus Canyon, for those familiar with the area...) On top of being stuck in the middle of Death Valley and hours away from any type of service, this is what that loose control arm did to the unfortunate guy's alloy before he was able to stop:

866276466_BE9Hz-X2.jpg


That will ruin your weekend. :hmpf: ... And all because of a stupid bolt:
866276548_6H5Cs-X2.jpg


The Las Vegas dealer (the closest one from where he broke down) was great and reimbursed him for every expense and incidentals, including tow, hotel stay and a new Stormer rim. At the time we all - dealer included - thought it was a fluke, perhaps a single bad bolt in his near-new car... until I started noticing several identical failures on other Disco/LR3 forums such as this one.
 

ryan-in-oregon

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Definatly worse as far as failure is concerned. But my bolt looked the same!!!! I do have a couple of rub marks in the rim but being an 18" I don't think it could have quite as catastrophic of a failure!!! (Far less room for it to move around). My local hardware store with a huge metric selection only had 10.9 bolts and 12.9 cap screw (Allen headed). I'll try a few internet sources then Off to the dealer for the factory bolt (mainly just for the plating and washer)
 

Johnson Rods

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Ryan
I saw that same failure that umbertob referred to. A nasty break with no way to get the bolt out without a tap tool. Upgrading this would be a big benefit. Appreciate the info.
 

Houm_WA

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If anything...if I can't find a stronger bolt, then I'll buy a couple of the factory bolts and just keep them in my box of spares to take wheelin'
 

nwoods

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Nice photos Umberto.... And Holy Cow!
 

ryan-in-oregon

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We just worked it out with a punch and small hammer. No drill necassary. As far as carrying spares if you don't have all the tools to fix it (or travel with someone who does) you likely won't get it apart....
 

Houm_WA

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Of course, that's true. I usually carry a small collection of tools with me. I can add a punch to it. Hammer is already in there....
 

Houm_WA

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Does the fastener NEED to be fully threaded?
 

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