Tie bar query

[canuck]

I have always puzzled over this front suspension tie bar and how one fixes its fitted length.  I think this matters but perhaps it doesn't? 

So;
The tie bar fork, #34 at the lower suspension arm have a 'washer' between it and the suspension arm.   

The Parts List shows a round washer, #35, 



My ones are rectangular, I don't see how a round washer will fit to this arm shape 



I also have another fork fitted to my car right now, (one side only   ) that has a thinner rectangular washer .  I think this thickness matters and helps to handle the compressive loads of this tie bar whilst driving about hitting pot holes!  

When one fits this tie bar to the car, this washer thickness must matter? As well there is no indication of the tie bar  fitted length so if one simply tightens the tie bar nut to the end of the threads then two things will happen. 
1) the bushes will compress, enough? or over compress? against the shoulder of the tie bar. If rubber not such an issue but what about poly bushes?   
2) if difficult to compress the poly bushes, (we read is the case)  then the nut may not wind on enough?  altering the fitted length? 

At present I have always fitted this tie bar using rubber bushes and tightened the castle nut just enough to allow the split pin to be inserted. 

  

Any thoughts?  My engineering mind says this matters but perhaps the car is flexible enough, (rubber bushes)  that this overall fitted length isn't enough to puzzle over?

Bruce

[ozieagle]

Hi Bruce,

Gut feeling only. I think it is somewhat a moot point. The bar should be snug, but not stressed, to protect the torsion bar bushes. Any discrepancy would mainly affect toe in, which can be adjusted.

Herb

[canuck]

Thanks Herb, .
I suppose simple 4th grade geometry should apply and I can measure the hypotenuse?   

I have seen one tie bar application that shows I am not alone with this query?  




salut

Bruce

[jonnyb]

As far as I can see if the lower arm moves up or down vertically the tie rod would (theoretically)need to be longer. These changes must be taken up by the rubber bushes so, provided the bushes are not too distorted in the normal position I guess you need not worry. During normal driving on smooth roads the tie bar will be in tension (hence the name) but when hitting potholes that tension will increase dramatically as the road wheel is pushed upwards and backwards by the impact.