Inboard LCA bolt backed out on 997... uncommon/common?
#1
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Inboard LCA bolt backed out on 997... uncommon/common?
Has anyone heard that the inboard LCA bolt on 987 and 997s has a tendency to backout if tracked frequently? I discovered this on the right LCA during a routine check after I had some steering wander.
My race shop told me this is not uncommon as the flanges on the subframe of Carreras/Boxsters/Caymans are too thin for aggressive tracking and can flex a lot. The cup cars actually have thicker flanges there to prevent as much flex. He recommended we use a new lock nut, lock washers and loctite as a mid term solution. Long term solution is to weld a bit more material to the flange to thicken it and prevent flex.
I realize that a tracked car needs to be checked and retorqued after every couple sessions and even more so if you are riding the curbs but I had never heard about this issue and am just looking to level set.
Anyone have experience with this, see this happen before or even know about this?
My race shop told me this is not uncommon as the flanges on the subframe of Carreras/Boxsters/Caymans are too thin for aggressive tracking and can flex a lot. The cup cars actually have thicker flanges there to prevent as much flex. He recommended we use a new lock nut, lock washers and loctite as a mid term solution. Long term solution is to weld a bit more material to the flange to thicken it and prevent flex.
I realize that a tracked car needs to be checked and retorqued after every couple sessions and even more so if you are riding the curbs but I had never heard about this issue and am just looking to level set.
Anyone have experience with this, see this happen before or even know about this?
#2
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I haven't encountered this on my 997.2 after multiple track days at notoriously bumpy Sebring. I checked with a friend who tracks a 987S more often than me and he hasn't either. Most of his days are also at Sebring.
#3
I've seen it but it isn't common. I had a customer once complain about it and ask me to specifically check that bolt as another shop told him it has a tendency to loosen up. I checked it and properly torqued it. Half way through the season he came back to have us check it again and it was tight and has not come loose since we torqued it to spec.
#4
Will check this tomorrow before my track weekend. I have the stock LCA's on my GTS so I'm guessing those bolts were never fiddled with since it left the factory (unless they're used for alignment?). Did you replace your LCA's with GT3 ones? Perhaps the bolt wasn't torqued properly after the installation?
#5
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Originally Posted by scorcherjf
Will check this tomorrow before my track weekend. I have the stock LCA's on my GTS so I'm guessing those bolts were never fiddled with since it left the factory (unless they're used for alignment?). Did you replace your LCA's with GT3 ones? Perhaps the bolt wasn't torqued properly after the installation?
Thanks for input all. Very helpful.
#6
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Sometimes people will use loctite and torque them at 65 ft/lb to allow for a little more freedom of movement especially in momentum cars. However you torque them, if one comes loose the key thing is to use a new nut, not retorque the old one. Cheap insurance
#7
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A known issue on the 987. I check them every 3 days and, other than the first time, it has stayed tight.
Keep it tight or you will get excessive wear and end up replacing the LCA.
Keep it tight or you will get excessive wear and end up replacing the LCA.