Does the girth matter?
Discussion
Hi, this is a question related to bolts for the rear suspension components on a V8 Vantage.
Having stripped down the rear end of the car and now re-building, I've replaced a few bits and pieces along the way or had original parts refurbished. Now I have a question about some bolts I ordered. The ones in question attach the front end of the lower wishbone to the subframe, via a captive nut.
These are M12 x 90mm bolts, but the ones that came off the car had a wasted diameter (approx. 10.6mm) for most of the length, flaring out to 11.8mm just before the hex head. I ordered new bolts as a precaution, part number CG43-08024AA, but these have a constant diameter of 11.8mm. See image below of the 2 bolts side by side.
Which is the correct one? the difference in diameter could be the difference between failure or not, but does the smaller diameter bolts allow for greater play on the front bolt when adjusting the camber via the rear eccentric bolt?
Having stripped down the rear end of the car and now re-building, I've replaced a few bits and pieces along the way or had original parts refurbished. Now I have a question about some bolts I ordered. The ones in question attach the front end of the lower wishbone to the subframe, via a captive nut.
These are M12 x 90mm bolts, but the ones that came off the car had a wasted diameter (approx. 10.6mm) for most of the length, flaring out to 11.8mm just before the hex head. I ordered new bolts as a precaution, part number CG43-08024AA, but these have a constant diameter of 11.8mm. See image below of the 2 bolts side by side.
Which is the correct one? the difference in diameter could be the difference between failure or not, but does the smaller diameter bolts allow for greater play on the front bolt when adjusting the camber via the rear eccentric bolt?
In my experience yes along with length and rigidity,
A ‘friend’ of mine told me he was let down once by a part failure in all three scenarios and although he had previously convinced himself the part he was putting in was up to the job the substandard part caused him no end of embarrassment both at the time and when rumours spread.
For the record I have never had this happen , luckily I have always found bigger is better, never compare or think about what’s been before and if you think you are experiencing a problem bang it in and get the hell out of there once you are satisfied you have done all you can.
Hope this helps
this advice can be used for numerous things 
but with regards the two sizes of bolt no idea
A ‘friend’ of mine told me he was let down once by a part failure in all three scenarios and although he had previously convinced himself the part he was putting in was up to the job the substandard part caused him no end of embarrassment both at the time and when rumours spread.
For the record I have never had this happen , luckily I have always found bigger is better, never compare or think about what’s been before and if you think you are experiencing a problem bang it in and get the hell out of there once you are satisfied you have done all you can.
Hope this helps
this advice can be used for numerous things but with regards the two sizes of bolt no idea Gassing Station | Aston Martin | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff